The Cathedral of Arequipa is one of the first religious buildings in the town. The first Church building was built in 1544 by architect Peter Godwineson under the patronage of the Bishop of Cuzco, don Freiem Vicente de Velarde. In 1583, the earthquake destroyed the temple. In 1590, the Church building was restored, but not for long. In 1600 due to the eruption of the volcano Huaynaputina, the temple was again partially destroyed. In the early seventeenth century, Pope Paul V established the diocese of Arequipa, and on the site of the old Church from 1621 in 1656 construction of the Cathedral. After a devastating fire in 1844, the Church was able to recover by architect Lucas Poblete and with the support of Bishop Jose Sebastian de Gouines and Barreda in 1868.

In June 2001 Arequipa city was damaged by an earthquake measuring 8, 1 point on the Richter scale. One tower of the Cathedral was completely destroyed, the nave, the arches and the second tower were badly damaged. After a year, their anniversary, the Cathedral was completely restored under the direction of Juan Manuel Guillen.

The Cathedral is built of treated volcanic stone and brick in neo-Renaissance style with a slight Gothic influence. The main temple of the city is on the North side of the Plaza de Armas Arequipa's historical centre. Its facade consists of seventy columns with Corinthian capitals, three doors and two large side arches.

The altar is made of Carrara marble, the work of Felipe Moratilla. Unique chair carved oak French-Bead artist Rigaud from Lille. In the Museum of the Cathedral contains precious works of art, made in Spain artist-jeweler Francisco Moratilla, silver crown Elizabeth II and many other artifacts donated to the Cathedral by Bishop Goyeneche and his family.