When the city of Salta was founded in1582 by the Spanish conquistador Hernando de Lerma, some estates where gifted to the Franciscan monks. The first church on this place dates back to the year of 1625, although its instability made it necessary to built a new building in 1674. After a devastating fire Iglesia San Francisco (St. Francis Church) was rebuilt in 1759. The church became its current exterior and façade in 1872.

Five years later the construction of the impressive bell tower started; with a height of 54 meters it is the highest in South America. The belfry houses a bronze bell made from the cannons used in the Argentine War of Independence.

Nowadays Iglesia San Francisco - with its vivid colours and white pillars - is one of the most famous landmarks of Salta. A statue of St. Francis of Assisi stands in front of the church.
In 1941 the church was declared a National Historical Monument.