It was founded for the first time in the middle of 1558, by Juan Perez Zurita. Its name was London of the New England. There were three other later foundations.

In 1683, it was founded in the present area. The foundation was carried out by Fernando Mendoza de Mate De Luna.

Catamarca was the birth place of the most outstanding orator of the country: friar Mamerto Esquiú. He was a humble man, belonged to the Franciscan congregation. His heart is kept in a glass urn in the Temple of Saint Francisco.

The image of Our Ladyship of the Valley was the one who centered the villages of the Valley, which are constituted by the present capital city, the districts of Capayán, Valle Viejo, Fray Mamerto Esquiú, Paclín and Ambato.

In 1620 it is said the Virgin Appeared in the grout of the Choya and the Spanish Manuel Zazar discovered it, guided by the Indians of the place.

In 1630 the first temple was built in Valle Viejo.

The governors went as pilgrims there and when they finished their administrations over the old provinces of Antiguo Tucuman, oath which is still sworn today.