The golden altarpiece of its main altar, attributable to the brilliant Sevillian carver Vargas's Luis Ortiz. The most out-standing element of the "Lignaria" architecture in Cartagena de Indias.

Other current characteristics of interest
Its severe austerity of the "Toscano" order, defines the architectonic style of the colonial city, with his fourteen columns and the pillars in cross that support the toral arc. Likewise, the tower, as part of the urban identity of Cartagena, and its apse with appearance of unconquerable strength.

Dominant Architectural Style
Spanish renaissance "Herreriano", typical of the reign of Philip II.

Historical synopsis
This church is the greatest work of the construction teacher Simón Gonzalez, who designed it of the model of some Andalusian and Canary Isles basilicas. It was started in1577, at the time of the big Mexican cathedrals; and before the Peruvians of Lima and Cuzco; though it was finished, eighty four years later, overcoming incredible adversities. The Cathedral of Cartagena, as all the similar ones of the New World in colonial times, represented a direct route between the interests of the colonists and the Court, outside the official procedures of civil authorities, that in general, they were not fair in their decisions. The bishop was an authentic spokesman of the community, very near to his parish, and had direct correspondence with the King in person.

Hypothesis on the original characteristics of the site
Its location comes from the reframing of the city realized by the governor Pedro Fernandez de Bustos, after the fire that consumed the village of the founders.