The Mission San Xavier del Bac is one of the most famous Mission churches of the Sonoran Desert. Often called the White Dove of the Desert, it's a shining example of the baroque style of architecture and its gleaming white walls surrounded by desert scenes is a sight to behold.
The present-day Mission was completed in 1797 after the original was destroyed. It sits ten miles south of Tucson on the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation, two miles from the original site, and is still in use to this day serving the local Indian community for which it was created. Much of the interior remains exactly as it was and is a beautiful example of the style of the time, and it continues to be restored and renovated to this day to preserve its history.
A popular tourist attraction, it appeals to all visitors whether they're interested in art, religion, history or are simply looking to appreciate the stunning architecture and surrounding scenery. The church is filled with original art, sculptures and statues, and there are many carvings of saints and apostles dressed in actual clothing.
The church resides in an area of stunning natural beauty, and seeing the white walls against the clear blue sky and desert rocks is a truly spectacular sight. Around the church itself there are a number of Indian craft shops and cafys, so offers the perfect place to relax and enjoy the whole day there.
This Roman Catholic mission is still in use and church services continue to be held, so visitors are asked to be respectful of the religious activities taking place during their trip. The church is open daily throughout the year from 8am until 5pm, and self-guided tours can be taken at any point between 8:30am and 4:30pm. Entry is free, as is parking, but donations are always welcomed to help continue the restoration process.
As well as the self-guided tour there's also a continuously played video tape showing the history of the mission, and is a great way to glean a few extra facts. A gift shop is also available, open every day during mission opening hours (with the exception of Christmas Day and Easter Sunday).
The Mission San Xavier del Bac is a great place to go to see New Spanish architecture at its best. Whether it's for a tourist trip or even a religious pilgrimage, no one can fail to be amazed by the stunning building and beautiful design. It's well worth the trip for anyone with an interest in religion, architecture or history and should definitely be on the to-do list of anyone in the area.
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