The day of the founding of the Mexican city of Saltillo on July 25 coincides with a religious holiday in honor of the Apostle Saint Santiago. Therefore, the main attraction of the city is called "Catedral de Santiago" or Saltillo Cathedral. Its construction started in 1745 by a joint project of the priest Felipe Suárez and architect Nicolás Hernández. But the main building was erected in the central square of the city only half a century later. Its construction, including the main bell tower, was completed in 1883. All these years, the church was built as a regular church parish. It received the status of a cathedral in 1891.

The tallest temple in northern Mexico and one of the tallest in Latin America stands out among the surrounding buildings. It is visible from almost any point of the city thanks to its huge tower with a height of 81 meters. Its upper part is crowned with a large metal cross, which complemented the entire religious complex in 1887.

The Catholic shrine combines several architectural styles in its appearance: baroque, that was typical for the 18th century and so beloved by the Spanish colonialists, neoclassicism, and the Churrigeresco style, better known as Mexican or later Baroque. Some elements of the building have Renaissance features. The main entrance to the cathedral is made in the form of an arch with large wooden doors decorated with carvings. The entrance is framed by columns of Solomon, richly painted with floral motifs and topped with images of the shell - the symbol of Saint Santiago.

The interior of the cathedral is represented by several baroque altars, as well as an extensive collection of paintings by royal masters. But the main pride of the temple is the silver facade of the altar of the 18th century. It was presented at the exhibition of sacred values. This exhibition was held in many cities both in Mexico and in the USA for three years and was a huge success.