San Xavier del Bac, often referred to as simply as San Xavier, is an historic Spanish Catholic mission just south of Tucson, Arizona. It was founded by Fr. Eusebio Kino in 1692, part of a string of missions he established across what is now Southern Arizona. Unfortunately, the original mission was susceptible to Apache attacks, and was destroyed around 1770. Soon after, the mission you can visit today was built by Franciscan Missionaries in a new location on lands now in the Tohono O’odham Indian Nation. It is still a functioning Mission serving the Indian community that built it.
The mission church is often called “The White Dove of the Desert” due to its brilliant white exterior. The design is strikingly beautiful, often described as the finest example of Spanish mission architecture in the United States. There is no record of architects, builders, artists or craftsmen responsible for the design. Local Indians provided the labor to build the mission, and many historians believe the artisans responsible for the ornate carving and paintings, all of which have been extensively restored. Almost immediately, visitors notice a missing dome which has been the subject of much research with no answers. One popular myth is that tax rules exempted buildings under construction and so the church was left unfinished.
Entry to the church is through huge, ornately carved mesquite doors. Inside, it remains surprisingly cool despite 100+ summer temperatures outside. The artwork is beautiful, combining Native American and Spanish motifs. The small church is dominated by an intricately decorated alter, with frescoes above and beautiful paintings throughout.
The ornate alter and interior of the Mission San Xavier del Bac feature many intricate, handmade pieces representative of the native culture and the Spanish influence.
The mission, which was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960, is open to the public daily, though mass is performed regularly, and admission is free. Some 200,000 people from around the world visit the mission each year, including thousands of Catholic pilgrims. The best time to visit is the Friday after Easter for the annual San Xavier Festival which features a torch lit parade by members of the Tohono O’odham and Yaqui Tribes. It is very easy to reach from Tucson by traveling south on Interstate 19 to the San Xavier Road.
The altar is lovely, and I love those arches–so beautiful. Wow, 200,000 visitors a year–that’s impressive. *adds this to the bucket list*
It really is a beautiful mission. There are several in the area, but this is the only one of the original missions still operating and still in remarkable condition. Definitely worth a visit! Thanks for stopping by!