With construction starting in 1781 by the Spanish governor Martin de Salaverria, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is one of the oldest churches in Trinidad and Tobago’s history. When viewed from above one can see that it was built in the shape of the Latin Cross, with the northern and southern transepts designed as chapels of Our Blessed Lady and St. Joseph respectively.

For almost a century, the twin towers of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception would signal to immigrants that they had arrived in Trinidad. The highest point on the church and at one time the city, the towers were used by mariners adrift in the Gulf of Paria as a guiding landmark on the 19th century Port of Spain shoreline. Throughout the latter half of the 19th century, the towers were symbols of certainty and sanctuary. Today, they continue to represent faith’s open arms to all people.

The building was finally completed in 1836, and on Sunday 23rd February, 1851, it was consecrated by the first Archbishop of Port of Spain, The Most Reverend Patrick Smith and dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Later in 1857, Pope Pius IX decreed that the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was to be raised to the status of a Minor Basilica, giving it special spiritual privileges.  

The Cathedral is an historic and cultural landmark in the city of Port of Spain. Close to the main transportation station, the Cathedral is the centre of spirituality for people of all faiths, and stands in the middle of both residential and busy commercial districts. Approximately a quarter million daily commuters from across the country converge downtown. It is indeed an important cultural and social asset in the city landscape. The Cathedral serves many persons from all walks of life, from all religious backgrounds and from many different parishes. Many visitors and pilgrims come into this holy space for a few moments of peace and quiet, seeking sanctuary and refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life.

There are six Catholic Primary Schools in the Port of Spain area under the care of the Cathedral, and assistance is regularly rendered to help individuals and families, through difficult circumstances and economic hardship.

As the main church of the Archbishop of Port of Spain, the Cathedral is the Archbishop’s seat from which he gives his teachings and leads his people in the official Liturgy of the church. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception celebrates Holy Mass daily, and during the year, Baptisms, First Communion, Confirmation, Weddings, Funerals, and periodically Ordinations of Deacons and Priests.