Construction began in 1535, during which the Temple of San Juan de Dios temporarily served as the cathedral church of the diocese.

[1] Its facade is made of green cantera stone commonly found in Oaxaca's buildings, and the interior is in Neoclassical style.

The altar features a statue of Our Lady of the Assumption (Nuestra Señora de la Asunción) which was made in Italy during the Porfirian era,[1] who is represented by a bronze sculpture brought from Europe and made by Tadoini.

In the south wing there is a clock donated to Oaxaca by King Fernando VII.

Atop the west wall of the quire is a locally built baroque pipe organ, parts of which date to 1711–1712, restored in 1997.