A Franciscan chapel was built in this location in 1636 , when a permit was conferred by Governor Francisco Núñez Melián , enacted from his home in Puerto Rico . The 1812 earthquake reduced the building to rubble . In 1865 , construction of a new building was completed . Venezuela 's 1950 earthquake , which was felt in Barquisimeto , lead to significant destruction within the chapel . As a result , the building was demolished , leaving only the bell tower ( 1865 ) and clock ( 1888 ) . The construction of the present church building began in 1953 to a design of the architect Jahn Bergkamp . It features four naves and is considered an expression of modern art . Every year on January 14 , the Divina Pastora returns to the cathedral . It was vandalized in 2014
1812 earthquake
1812 Caracas earthquake
Barquisimeto Cathedral