Bishop Patrick Raymond Griffith, O.P., the Vicar Apostolic of the Cape of Good Hope, bought land in 1839 and the first stone was laid two years later.

The edifice was designed in the Gothic Revival style by Carl Otto Hager, the architect behind several Dutch Reformed churches which are also listed heritage sites.

Oak panelling, carved by Spanish artist F Cuairan, cases the sanctuary walls and was dedicated to the memory of parishioners who gave their lives during the Second World War.

In 1951 the church was consecrated as a cathedral when Pope Pius XII elevated the apostolic vicariate of Cape Town to the status of metropolitan archdiocese.

The 2,1 m high white marble angel holy water font was designed by Dublin architect Mr. O'Callaghan and presented to the cathedral in 1896.