The project began in 1486 under the Duke of Viseu and Beja, the future King Manuel I, who funded it through royal revenues. The master builder João Gonçalves led it at first, and the royal carpenter Pêro Anes later replaced him. The church walls were complete in 1508, and Pope Leo X raised it to cathedral status on June 12, 1514. The main altar was consecrated in 1517.
The style is Gothic with Manueline elements. It has three naves and a Mudéjar-inspired cedar roof. The builders used volcanic stone from the Cabo Girão cliffs, with plastered white facades and stone corners.
Wooden choir stalls carry carved prophets, saints and apostles, and Manuel I donated a silver processional cross. It is the mother church of the Diocese of Funchal, and it was classified a National Monument in 1910.
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