[1] Initially planned as the cathedral for the capital city of Spain, ultimately only 40-45% of the intended project was completed,[2] due to lack of resources after the court moved towards Madrid, and the expenses caused by the difficult foundations of the building, which was located in an area with a large gap in the field.

However, with the newly established episcopal see in the 16th century, the Town Council decided to build a larger, modern cathedral in Renaissance-style, befitting the city's new status.

When construction started, Valladolid was the de facto capital of Spain, home to King Philip II and his court.

The cathedral was not finished according to Herrera's design, and it was further modified during the 17th and 18th centuries, for example with the addition of a work by Churriguera to the top of the principal façade.

The main chapel and the choir were intended to be in the same place, facing the prayers (following the aims of the Council of Trent), so processions could pass round the back.

The choir stalls were built by Francisco Velázquez and Melchor de Beya in 1617 and came from the convent of San Pablo, in Valladolid.

On the other side of the church, on the third chapel there is a Baroque altarpiece of the 18th century and a group of statues and funerary reliefs of the Venero family, work of a disciple of Pompeo Leoni.