It is one of the largest and best decorated churches in the country, and its domes are the second highest in Latin America, preceded by the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico.

Its construction began on July 16, 1959, on the day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and it was inaugurated 22 years later, on May 23, 1981.

The project was executed by contractor Francisco Baceta and architect Ernesto Prall, who dealt with the design and preparation of the construction drawings and structure.

Likewise did the presidents Rómulo Betancourt, Raúl Leoni, Rafael Caldera, Carlos Andrés Pérez and Luis Herrera Campins.

The first bishop of the Diocese of Maturín, José Ramirez Antonio Salaverría, fought for resources and to continue construction.