This Little Known Mission Hiding In Arizona Is An Absolute Work Of Art

We’re blessed in Arizona to be able to visit, admire, reflect, and worship in so many historic and beautiful churches and missions. And if there is one that is not to be missed, it’s the Mission San Xavier del Bac, located on the Tohono O’odham Nation San Xavier Indian Reservation, just south of downtown Tucson. It may not be “little-known” to those living in or near Tucson (or the many annual visitors to Tucson), but to everyone else, it’s not as popular as other must-see places in Arizona (like the Grand Canyon). Take a look at how beautiful it is, inside and out.

Constructed between 1783 and 1797, it is considered the oldest European structure in Arizona — and one that bears much to see and admire. It’s massive, and the white stucco exterior, coupled with the heavy, carved wooden doors speak to you before you ever enter the sanctuary.

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Built with a floor plan of the classic Latin cross, it has a main aisle separated from the sanctuary by the center, which has chapels at either end. It’s open 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., daily, when the church is not in use for a service or special occasion.

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Adorned with lovely carvings and more, it is considered to be one of the finest examples of Spanish mission architecture in the U.S. The walls and ceilings are covered with an endless array of colorful paintings, carvings, frescoes, and statues. Don’t be surprised if you’re overwhelmed with the beauty found in the Mission, and tearfully so.

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On either side of the center aisle of the Mission, there are individual chapels, each also adorned with breathtaking artwork. If you wish to light a candle during your visit, you may, for a mere $3 donation.

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Once you’ve visited the inside of the Mission and stopped at the museum and the gift shop, head up Grotto Hill to discover more goodness awaiting along the way and at the top.

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Mission San Xavier del Bac is located at 1950 San Xavier Rd., Tucson, AZ 85746. It’s open to the public every day from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is no fee for admittance, however, a donation box is located within the gift shop if you’d like to give to the Mission. The Mission has Mass scheduled every Monday through Friday at 6:30 a.m. (Everyone is welcome to attend.) Additional Mass is scheduled depending upon the season. The 2018 summer Mass schedule is: Saturday Vigil at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday Mass at 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. (Again, everyone is welcome to attend.) Learn more on the official website of Mission San Xavier del Bac.