It stands next to a modern mirror-glassed office building (the image of the church in the glass makes a nice picture), with ornate bell towers, columns and pediment. It clearly is a place for worship: you can attend a mass, confess to the padre, or pray to the Virgen de los Andes. Just past the entrance is an illuminated map of the building that explains the backgrounds of the various religious objects and works of art inside the cathedral. At least have a look at the main altar, sculpted out of marble and incrusted with bronze and lapis lazuli. Note also the intricately crafted silver Capilla del Santísimo Sacramento (Chapel of the Holy Sacrament), which was made by Bavarian Jesuits in the 16th century.

You will find more examples of the Jesuits’ exquisite silverwork in the museo behind the main building of the cathedral, along with religious paintings, sculpture and furniture. The current building is the fifth church built on the site: the first was burned by Mapuche just few months after its completion.