The San Pablo Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Parish of Saint Paul the First Hermit, serves as the seat of the Bishop of the Diocese of San Pablo. Founded in 1568 as San Pablo de los Montes, the town was named in honor of St. Paul the First Hermit. The first church, constructed by the Augustinians, was later handed over to the Franciscans in 1794. The Franciscans expanded the church and encouraged local industries until they were replaced by secular priests during the 1896 Revolution.

During the American era, the parish convent became a seminary for the Diocese of Lipa. The church was heavily damaged in 1945 during the Liberation of the Philippines but was rebuilt from 1948 to 1954. In 1949, the rectory became the site of Ateneo de San Pablo, run by the Jesuits. The church was elevated to a cathedral when the Diocese of San Pablo was established in 1966, and Bishop Pedro Bantigue became its first bishop in 1967.

Notably, the cathedral is the only one in the world named after Saint Paul the First Hermit. It has undergone several renovations over the past five decades, including updates to its altar, sanctuary, bishop's throne, façade, and belfry. A Holy Door was added recently at one of its lateral entrances.