The Tripoli Cathedral was built c. 1923 and officially opened in 1928, albeit being partially complete; during the Italian Libya colonial era.

In the year 1920, the Italian community in Tripoli realized that the settler population had grown to 25,000 people and a new Catholic Cathedral would be required.

The Basilica, characterized by the Roman architecture and white facade stood out for its size and height in the square towering most of the buildings in the city, and truly resembled a marvel within Tripoli.

One of the most notable events regarding the cathedral was the Eucharistic Congress of 24 November in 1937 of which celebrations took place in Tripoli, with a filming crew capturing the footage.

In July 1970, after the rise to power of Muammar Gaddafi, the Revolutionary Council ordered the confiscation of all Italian and church property.