St. Joseph Cathedral, Temuco, Roman Catholic cathedral in Temuco, Chile

St. Joseph Cathedral is a modern church whose first stone was laid in 1981 and which was completed in 1991 to the design of architect Gerardo Rendel. Its interior is lit by numerous stained-glass windows running from the main entrance to the back, and its altar is carved in stone, a gift from an anonymous donor. The Christ, Virgin and St. Joseph images were carved in Valencia, Spain, and the oak doors were carved by Juan Antonio Ríos Cid.

The parish church of San José, built between 1908 and 1912, became Temuco's cathedral on 5 May 1926 when Monsignor Prudencio Contardo was installed as the city's first bishop. Its last Mass was celebrated at noon on 22 May 1960; hours later the 1960 earthquake destroyed it along with the brick Intendencia next door. The new cathedral's first stone was laid on 19 March 1981, the feast of St. Joseph, and the building was completed in 1991.

The great Cristo on the façade of the Sagrario Parish is the one that presided over the altar of the old cathedral, whose last Mass was at noon on 22 May 1960. The stone altar was donated by an anonymous benefactor, and the images of Christ, the Virgin — called "Nuestra Señora de Temuco" — and St. Joseph were carved in Valencia, Spain. The oak doors were carved by Juan Antonio Ríos Cid.

Visitors can attend regular mass services or explore the building during extended visiting hours when not in use for worship. It is best to visit during daylight hours to experience the full effect of natural light through the large windows.

The construction received direct financial support from Pope John Paul II and multiple international Catholic churches through various fundraising campaigns. This global backing reflects how the rebuilding after the natural disaster became a concern for the worldwide Church.