The cathedral was erected in its present form in the 14th century; earlier a wooden chapel stood here. Initially, it was a parish church, but gradually it gained more and more importance, and by the end of the 16th century, it was the most important church of the Republic of Poland. In the 17th century, the Gothic church was rebuilt in the Baroque spirit.
The basilica has witnessed many historic events, such as the coronation of King Stanislaw August Poniatowski in 1764, and weddings, coronations and royal funerals were held here. Of particular importance was the fact that the first European Constitution, on May 3, 1791, was sworn in here.

During the Warsaw Uprising in 1944 the cathedral was the scene of fighting, and after the uprising, it was blown up, with 90% of the walls destroyed. After World War II, the original form of the temple was reconstructed.

In recent years, the church has become an important international centre to promote sacred music, and in the summer, organ concerts are held in the cathedral.