Daraga was established as a settlement by people relocating from Cagsawa, who feared another eruption of the Mayon Volcano in that region.

[2] Their request was granted by Governor-General Simon de Salazar through a communication to the Alcade-mayor of the province of Camarines, dated June 12, 1772.

[3] Built at the time that Daraga was a visita of Cagsawa, the church was erected atop a hill in barangay Santa Maria overlooking the Mayon Volcano.

[3][14][15] The arch over the entrance has an inscription in Latin which reads, "Bene fundata est domus Domini supra firmam petram" (Well founded is the house of the Lord on firm rock).

[14] The octagonal belltower, located on the left side of the church, has carved images of the twelve apostles distributed in the base's six faces.

[4] The Provincial Government of Albay led by Governor Joey Salceda allotted ₱ 35 million for the rehabilitation of certain historical and cultural heritage sites in the province including the church of Daraga.