Cathedral of San José de Mayo, Neoclassical cathedral in San José de Mayo, Uruguay.

The Cathedral of San José de Mayo has a basilical plan: a central nave resting on eight solid Carrara marble columns, each hauled from the port of Montevideo on reinforced-wheel carts over a month. It measures 72 m from the atrium steps to the presbytery and 26 m in width. The domes are clad in French Pas de Calais tiles, and the main altar and high reliefs are by Spanish sculptor Domingo Mora.

Construction began in 1857 under the direction of Catalan architect Antonio Fongivell and concluded with the building's consecration in 1874. The structure was later recognized with the status of basilica minor in 1957.

The bells, the largest weighing over three tonnes, were cast in Genoa through the efforts of Luis de Amilivia, who also bought the clock; they can be heard up to fifteen kilometres away, marking the rhythm of life in San José. A local legend held that the great bell had been intended for San José de Costa Rica and arrived here by mistake, but this was later disproved.

The building sits centrally in town and is easily reached on foot from the main square, with regular hours for visitors to enter. The best time to visit is outside of service times, when you can explore the interior without interruption.

The building is also known as the National Sanctuary of Saint Joseph and serves as the official seat of the bishop for the region. This dual role makes it both a spiritual focus and an administrative center for the diocese.