If you are looking for a unique experience, a spiritual refreshment, or just enjoy beautiful art and historical sights then you must see Mission San Xavier del Bac. I have visited many of the missions in California but this beautiful Arizona mission tops them all.
San Xavier - Nicknamed “the White Dove of the Desert” because of its white limestone facade
The missions of the Southwest represent an important chapter in Southwest history - the meeting of the Hispanic and Native cultures. More than a place to worship, missions were established as resting places along a travel corridor, as centers of a newly established community with school, church, and a town square.
A reminder that the mission is an active parish and a magnet for pilgrims
Southern Arizona’s most prominent and important historic landmark
San Xavier Mission del Bac is esignated a National Historic Monument. It is also an active Catholic parish and a magnet for Catholic pilgrims. The mission is just 9 miles from Tucson off Highway 19.
The Patronato of San Xavier provides a free docent tour of the mission. The tour is well worth the time you will spend. Each docent highlights the portion of church history that they feel is important. There is no script. Our docent included a history of the Patronato of San Xavier. This is a non-profit group that was started by a group of Tucson business leaders to save the deteriorating Mission. They are currently raising $3 million dollars to renovate the interior of the church. Although the tour is free, contributions to the restoration project are welcome.
The welcoming entrance to the mission
The oldest intact European structure in Arizona, the church’s interior is filled with marvelous original statuary and fresco mural paintings. It is a place where visitors can step back in time and enter an authentic 18th Century space.
If you’re on Pinterest, I’d love to connect, and I’d really appreciate if you’d share this post.
The History
San Xavier Mission was founded as a Catholic mission by the Jesuit missionary Father Eusebio Kino in 1692. Construction of the current church was initiated by the Franciscans. It was began in 1783 and was completed in 1797. The ‘White Dove of the Desert” is a beautiful mission with a combination of Spanish, baroque, and Moorish architecture. This still active mission to the Tohono O’odham tribe carries on its duty to serve the people.
San Xavier del Bac is also Mission called “the Sistine Chapel of the New World”
The missions of the Southwest represent an important chapter in Southwest history - the meeting of the Hispanic and Native cultures. More than a place to worship, missions were established as resting places along a travel corridor, as centers of a newly established community with school, church, and a town square. The ‘White Dove of the Desert’ is a beautiful mission with a combination of Spanish, baroque, and Moorish architecture. Located on the reservation, this is still an active mission to the Tohono O’odham tribe and the Franciscans still serve the congregation.
We climbed the hill to get a better view of the mission in its dessert setting.
We happened upon a colony of the cutest little prairie dogs. I had never seen them in the wild.
The view from the hill. Imagine the mission over 100 years ago to realize how truly magnificent it is.
Red chile Indian style taco sold in the parking lot. You can also buy the Indian fry bread alone.
San Xavier del Bac is a treasure of southwestern history. It is a 18th century religious beacon that calls all to experience. Whether your interests lie in religion, history or art, San Xavier del Bac is an attraction you don’t want to miss when visiting Tucson and Southern Arizona.
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BEA PANNELL says
Hey Kiddo, you did a good job. Enjoyed reading it all
Maria Perez says
Thank you. And thanks for stopping by.
Cristina says
How lovely. These pictures are beautiful. I can just feel the history coming through. I do hope they can raise enough money to restore it.
Maria Perez says
I hope so also. This year I went as a tourist. Next year I plan to go as a pilgrim. I would also like to do Sunday Mass there next year.
Candy Hartmann says
I’ve visited many in California too and you’re right, this one is the most beautiful of any I’ve visited. I hope I get to visit this one someday.
Maria Perez says
Each one has its own charm but San Xavier is a living, breathing church that is rich in history. Most of the missions in that chain are in upper Mexico.
I am going to plan a trip to San Carlos Borromeo de Carmel this summer. Father Junipero Serra is interred there. He will be made a Saint in Sept. Also Carmel/Monterey are wonderful places to visit.
Thank you so much for visiting
Theresa McGuirk says
So interesting! I’m in lone with this mission! Thank you so much for sharing this!
Mickie says
My friend Viollanda and I visit here from time to time, mostly when asking for help when her Mother was ill. It’s about 90 minutes from my house.
Maria Perez says
The Mission is know for being a place for Catholic Pilgrimage. I went as a tourist this year but I hope to go back next year on a Pilgrimage. We will have to make it a point to meet up.
ItalianBelly says
I was so surprised that this was in Arizona. I clicked on the link because I thought it was about a church in Spain. Amazing. And, it’s the first time I’ve seen a prarie dog…even through a photo. #familyjoybloglinkyparty
Patrick Weseman says
That is a very beautiful church. Thanks for sharing.
Shecki says
Beautiful! Visiting more of the California Missions is on my bucket list. I’ve only been to 4 so far.
Fabiola Rodriguez says
Wow, this is beautiful! It reminds me of several churches I’ve seen in Mexico. It’s hard to believe it’s in Arizona.
Coming over from the Blogger’s Pit Stop!
Ping says
Wow, and out of all places it’s in Arizona?! I do recognized the Indian fry bread that I had when we travelled to the Grand Canyon. And it was huge as came a mini portion! I couldn’t even finish it.
Love reading about your travels here.
Cheers,
Ping
Jess says
This is so amazing! 🙂 So pretty! 🙂
I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipes, crafts, tips, and tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!