In the 16th century, conquistadors and Catholic monks founded cities and erected their shrines on the territory of the modern Republic of Chile. The history of the city of Arica also begins with the arrival of the Spanish colonizers, and later the monks of the Dominican Order. They founded the diocese of the Roman Catholic Church there. And in 1640, they built the first building - St. Mark's Cathedral. Its beauty and grandeur can be judged only by the documents and drawings of those times since it was destroyed by the earthquake in 1868. Only the stone steps of the former cathedral have been preserved.

The project of the new church belonged to Gustave Eiffel and was originally intended for the city cathedral of the Italian resort of Ancona. By a happy coincidence of circumstances, it went to the city of Arica. So it continues to please his parishioners to this day.

The opening of the modern three-nave St. Mark's Cathedral took place in 1876. And a year later the first mass was held there. The metal structure of the temple was imported from France, while all other parts were built in Arica. The famous Chilean craftsman made double-leaf doors made of precious wood for it.

The Roman Catholic Shrine is built in the traditional Gothic style with pointed arches, high towers, and pointed spires. It was erected in the central square of Plaza de Armas and is considered the main attraction of the city.

April 25th is the day of the founding of the city by the Spanish conquerors. Every year on this day, citizens celebrate St. Mark's Day, the patron saint of the cathedral. At this time, the Cathedral Square is visited not only by residents of Arica and neighboring cities but also by tourists from other countries and continents. The appearance of the temple is striking in its beauty and grandeur even on ordinary days. However, it looks especially pompous with fresh flowers and other decorations in honor of the holiday.