It is the most important temple in Pátzcuaro.

Its peculiarity lies in its location not being in the central part of the city, as in most cities planned in the early centuries of the colony. 

It was built by order of the first Bishop of Michoacán, Don Vasco de Quiroga, on a Purepecha ceremonial center in the 16th century. It has undergone many modifications over the years.

Its plans are based on the Cathedral of Granada, with a pentagonal chapel surrounded by other chapels.

It venerates the Virgin of Health, the patron saint of the population, modeled in paste made from dried ground maize and mixed with orchid honey. 

Here lie the mortal remains of Don Vasco de Quiroga, the first bishop and founder of the College of San Nicolás Obispo.

Until 1923 it was known as the Cathedral of Pátzcuaro, but from that year onwards, when the diocese was transferred to Morelia, its name changed to Basilica.