In 1570, during the reign of the Spanish King Philip II, the first diocese was established in Santiago del Estero by decree of Pope Pius V. That time, people erected the first cathedral headed by the bishop of Francisco de Vitória. The temple was consecrated in 1581. 15 years later, the first synod was held here. 

Throughout its history, the cathedral has had many changes. The first building was destroyed in 1601. 10 years later, under the guidance of the second bishop Hernando de Trejo y Sanabria, a new wooden church was erected. But it burned down in a fire in 1615. Locals rebuilt a shrine, and the first bishop of Buenos Aires sanctified it in 1621. Then, the cathedral was flooded and destroyed again in 1677. The fourth cathedral was constructed by architect Melchor Suárez de la Conchaara. It was opened in 1686. Unfortunately, this temple also did not delight parishioners for a long time. The city suffered from an earthquake of 1817, and the main cathedral was turned to ruins. More than 150 years later, the inhabitants of Santiago del Estero could visit a new temple. We can also see it now. 

The current cathedral was built in 1877 by two brothers architects, Agustín and Nicolás Cánepa. It was named in honor of the Holy Virgin Carmen, the patroness of the city. The neoclassical building with three naves and side chapels is faced with 19th-century French tiles. The facade has Corinthian columns and bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Bible. But the main feature of the cathedral is its relics. These are statues of Our Lady of Consolation made of baked clay of the 17th century, the apostle Santiago, and Our Lady of Carmen. Besides, you can see the organ of 1931 and the Solomon columns from green onyx.