Called the Minor Basilica. Its construction began in 1575, replacing the primitive cathedral (which was "made of wood and reeds"). This cathedral can be considered one of the oldest in America. In 1586 it reached to be affected by the attack of the pirate Francis Drake, who, to press for the rescue of the taken city, ordered to fly the ship of the building, being with this the fall of three columns and four arcs, damages which delayed in be repaired. On August 7, 1600, the main nave and one side collapsed suddenly, without warning, and the cathedral was almost finished. The straw ended up covering the damage temporarily but it did not help much each time there was a heavy downpour. In 1612 it was finally finished, with later sepulchral vaults added. Its altar is made of wood in its entirety and is richly adorned with gold.