The city, which locals call the green capital of Atacama, has not only beautiful parks and squares. Among the many colonial buildings, surrounded by greenery, one can easily notice such magnificent architectural monuments as one of the main attractions of the city, the Roman Catholic Church of the mid-19th century.

The Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral or Copiapó Cathedral, as it is called by locals, is the cathedral of the diocese and the largest church in the city. This original wooden building was built by the English builder William Rogers and 16 local carpenters in 1851. However, a couple of years before its opening, a new church parish had already been built on this place. All that remained had been to add a roof. Its construction had lasted 9 years. And at the very last moment, the French architect Juan Herbage, who was engaged in this project, decided to demolish the entire building. According to some sources, the architect was disappointed in the chosen material, adobe. So the new church erected on this place was entirely made of Oregon pine.

The new temple was made of wood with a double partition that provided air circulation between them. This approach in construction significantly increased the strength of the building and protected the wood from the harmful effects of the humid climate of this area. The square building had three tiers, each of which was surrounded by columns around the perimeter. The facade of the temple was also decorated with columns. Now, the entire building is dazzlingly white. Only a few natural wood details emphasize its English neoclassical style.

The interior of the cathedral exceeds its appearance. There is an Italian altar, the pediment of which is entirely made of silver, as well as a silver tabernacle.

Today, you can see the tombstones of famous citizens in the cathedral. And in the mausoleum at the temple, there are the remains of Bishop of Copiapó, Fernando Ariztía Ruiz.