San Xavier del Bac Mission- Tucson, AZ

Ever since visiting southern California and visiting San Juan Capistrano & San Juan Bautista, I have been interested in missions. In doing research for our trip to Tucson, I found information about San Xavier del Bac Mission and had planned to visit it right after visiting Colossal Cave Mountain Park, but forgot to bring our map and of course, the "driver" didn't want to stop and ask for directions! I didn't want to waste the information I had collected about the Mission prior to our trip, so I am adding this tip to make use of it.

The San Xavier del Bac Mission is quite different from the other two that I have visited in that it is a much larger, and grandiose church even though it is considered "Mission architecture." It combines several architectural styles including "Mexican Renaissance". The present church was built from 1783 - 1797, replacing the original church which was slightly south. The Mission was built in the settlement of the "Tohono O'odham" people which are related to the Pima tribe and the original "Hohokam" tribes people. The Mission's name was chosen by Father Eusebio Francisco Kino to honor his patron saint, St. Xavier, and for its location called "Bac", which means "place where the water appears" in the O'odham language--the Santa Cruz River is nearby. The story of who the architect was and who the artisans were that built this architecturally stunning church is still somewhat of a mystery today!!

The Mission is distinguished by its large, bright white dome and almost symmetrical towers (one is incomplete) rising from the desert floor. Pictures reveal the interior, vaulted ceilings adorned with paintings which are original and ornate plaster work. The altar appears to be a splendid combination of paintings and gilt. The church is currently undergoing restoration, but is still open for services and visitors. In fact, it is a fully working parish church and part of the diocese of Tucson, serving mainly the Tohono O'odham, but open to all. It is served by the Franciscan order.

The Mission church is open EVERY day from 8:00 to 5:00. Admission and parking is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. There is a continuously available video tape for more information about the Mission. A gift shop is also located there.

San Xavier del Bac Mission church has a limited number of seats--if you plan to attend Mass, please check their website for correct times and try to arrange your tour outside of Mass times.

San Xavier del Bac Mission, Tucson

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San Xavier del Bac Mission, Tucson

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