| San Xavier del Bac Mission tips and photos posted by real travelers and Tucson locals. 1950 W San Xavier Rd, Tucson 85746 • 33 Photos • 28 Reviews See all Tucson Things To Do |  | Tucson San Xavier del Bac Mission Reviews | 1 - 10 of 28 |  |
 San Xavier del Bac Mission ~ Tucson by starship 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. Leave a Comment Phone: 520-294-2624Directions: This mission is 9 miles south off I-19, exit 92 on San Xavier Rd. in the Tohono O'odham Native Reservation.Website: http://www.sanxaviermission.org/
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by lamentforicarus The San Xavier del Bac Mission, often referred to as the "White Dove of the Desert," is located near the Santa Cruz River nine miles south of Tucson. In fact, “Bac” means “a place where water appears.” A Jesuit Missionary named Father Kino visited the site in 1692, and would commence construction of the mission seven years later. In 1767 the Jesuits were driven off the land, and the Franciscans assumed power. The site became the headquarters for Francisco Garces, and after his death, Father Bautista Velderian and Juan Bautista Llorenz undertook the task of completing the unfinished church. The Mission, which was finally completed in 1797, is considered to be one of the greatest examples of mission architecture in the United States. It’s exquisite interior is a collaboration of art by fine-trained European artists and the native people, and reflects Tucson’s multicultural heritage. Try to find the cat and the mouse on the entrance facade. It is said that when the cat catches the mouse, the end of the world will be at hand. Leave a Comment Phone: 520-294-2624Directions: The mission is 9 miles south of Tucson off I-19, Exit 92 on San Xavier Rd. in the Tohono O'odham NationWebsite: http://www.sanxaviermission.org/
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 San Xavier Del Back Mission by KimberlyAnn San Xavier Del Back Mission is sometimes called “White Dove of the Desert.” This church was completed in 1797, but remains an active Franciscan mission today for the Tohono O’odham Indians. This beautiful, mostly white structure is considered one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial Architecture in the United State, and is one of the oldest and most well preserved mission in the southwest. The inside is painted elaborately and has many large statues of angels, saints, and Mary. A self-guided tour is available daily 9:30 – 5:30 except Sunday. Donations are appreciated. Leave a Comment Phone: 520-294-2624Directions: This mission is 9 miles south off I-19, exit 92 on San Xavier Rd. in the Tohono O’ldham Indian Reservation. For additional photos and a map showing you how to reach the mission from Tucson visit its website.Website: http://www.azlife.net/Attractions/San-Xavier-Mission.htm
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 San Xavier de Bac Mission by Redlats This church was built as a mission by Franciscan monks in the 1700's and is still in use today on the Tohono O'odham native reservation. I guess the monks decided to build a church which would impress everybody, and it still does. A non-profit group has undertaken to restore and rebuild the mission, and by 2004 the insides are complete, and work is taking place on the left tower (you can see the scaffolding in my picture). The saguaros in front of the church are quite beat up. Maybe it's time to replace them too. Parking and entrance is free, although of course donations are accepted. Leave a Comment Phone: 520-294-2624Directions: This mission is 9 miles south off I-19, exit 92 on San Xavier Rd. in the Tohono O'odham Native ReservationWebsite: http://www.sanxaviermission.org/
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by lamentforicarus An exploration of San Xavier's surroundings gives visitors a more complete picture of the Mission. In front, a number of wood stalls have been erected, and there is a hive of activity around Native American vendors selling everything from handmade wares and jewelry to fry bread topped in sugar or honey. To the left of the Mission is a tranquil and interesting cemetery, which can provide a quite respite from San Xavier's crowded hall. For wonderful views and a picture-perfect glimpse of San Xavier, hike up the hill topped by a white cross to the right of the Mission. In the late afternoon, the setting sun casts a beautiful orange glow over the Mission. Leave a Comment Phone: 520-294-2624Directions: This mission is 9 miles south off I-19, exit 92 on San Xavier Rd. in the Tohono O'odham Native ReservationWebsite: http://www.sanxaviermission.org/
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 interior of San Xavier Mission by Redlats The inside of the church has recently been refinished. It is all carved and painted. There are two statues of Saint Frances, whom people pray to. You can see those statues by checking the mission's website. I did not bring a flash or fast film, so I was limited to what I pictures I could take inside the church. A small shaft of light was streaming through a ceiling window, and right on one of the statues (not Saint Frances). Besides the church proper, there is a museum and gift shop (open 8am-5pm) Leave a Comment Phone: 520-294-2624Directions: This mission is 9 miles south off I-19, exit 92 on San Xavier Rd. in the Tohono O'odham Native ReservationWebsite: http://www.sanxaviermission.org/
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Mission San Xavier del Bac was established by the Jesuit Missionary Father Eusebio Kino in 1692. The present church was built by the Franciscans, between 1783 and 1797. Mission San Xavier del Bac is still a functioning parish church serving the residents of the San Xavier Tohono O'odham Reservation. There are a number of stands leading to the mission where you can stop and buy some Native American food. For more information, see my San Xavier Page. Phone: 520-294-2624Directions: This mission is 9 miles south off I-19, exit 92 on San Xavier Rd. in the Tohono O'odham Native ReservationWebsite: http://www.sanxaviermission.org/
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 frybread stand by zrim After touring the mission, why not try something different. There are a couple different places that cook up fresh frybread while you wait. The frybread is available as a stand alone item or with honey, cheese, beans, red chile or green chile. A native american delicacy. Leave a Comment
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 San Xavier Mission by zrim Dates from about 1780. The San Xavier Mission is both a historical relic and a functioning church. The brilliant white of the mission is pleasing to the eye from the exterior. Inside there are ornate paintings with a definite southwest flair. Meanwhile the gaudy alterpiece would be at home in any rococo church or chapel in Europe. Leave a Comment
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 mission courtyard by zrim In contrast to the ostentatious interior of the mission church, the courtyard is restful and quaint. Lots of flowers and many birds chirping happily in the shade trees. There is also a small museum and gift shop on the premises that are worth a look. Leave a Comment
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