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Church · Tucson, Arizona
San Xavier del Bac Mission
Spanish mission church completed in 1797 south of Tucson, on the land of the Tohono O'odham people, with a white baroque façade and painted interior.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About San Xavier del Bac Mission
The mission of San Xavier del Bac was founded by the Jesuit Eusebio Kino in 1692 in a Tohono O'odham village, and the current church was built by Franciscans between 1783 and 1797. It is one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial buildings in the United States and is called the White Dove of the Desert for the color of its façade.
The baroque brick-and-lime façade has two towers, one of them without a dome, unfinished. The interior has altarpieces, statues and mural paintings, restored in recent decades by specialists with the help of artisans from the Tohono O'odham community.
The church continues as an active parish and is located on the San Xavier reservation of the Tohono O'odham people. In the plaza in front, community stalls often sell frybread and other foods. Masses take place at some times, when visiting is limited.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one hour.
Best time
In the morning, with light on the façade; avoid Mass times for the interior visit.
How to get there
About 15 km south of downtown Tucson, via I-19. Parking is available.
Tip
Respect worship times and silence inside the church. Visits are usually open without an entrance fee; donations help with maintenance.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about San Xavier del Bac Mission
When was the San Xavier del Bac mission built?
The current church was built between 1783 and 1797; the mission was founded in 1692.
Is there an entrance fee to visit San Xavier del Bac?
Visits are usually open without an entrance fee; donations help with conservation.
Is San Xavier del Bac still an active church?
Yes, it is the parish of the Tohono O'odham community, with regular masses.