SAN XAVIER MISSION
A visit to the breathtaking SAN XAVIER DEL BAC MISSION is a must if you are visiting Tucson and it is a quick trip from both downtown and the airport. San Xavier Mission was founded in 1692 by a Jesuit priest, Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino, and is located in the Tohono O’odham Reservation about 14 miles south of Tucson. The mission was constructed with fired adobe bricks and its architecture blends together elements of Byzantine, Moorish and Mexican designs, creating a wonder not to be missed.
The White Dove of the Desert, as the mission is sometimes called, can be seen before you even arrive with the glaring white of the structure visible for miles. Driving in, you can’t miss the cemetery off to the left. These burial grounds are for the members of the Tohono O’odham only and please remember to be respectful, as funeral services may be ongoing during your visit. Also there is a school and fire department nearby so please use caution when nearing the parking lot.
As you prepare to enter the mission, take a moment and gaze up at the two towers. The east tower was never completed and there are several theories as to why. Some say that it was lack of funding or that the taxes would be less on an unfinished structure. Other stories abound of ghosts and hauntings that frightened the away the workers. The façade also includes exquisite engravings of the Franciscan coat-of-arms that greet those who enter the church. On of the most fascinating things that I’ve discovered was the door handles on the thick Mesquite doors. The handles are of a copper rattlesnake with a copper mouse on the far side. Legends say the when the rattlesnake catches the mouse the end of the world is near.
The interior of the church is spectacular. It is simply breathtaking with colorful murals and artwork covering the walls and statues of the saints spread throughout the chapel. If you look closely at the designs painted on the walls, you might just see that animals such as deer and rabbits are also included, possible representing what was important to the workers. The statue lying in the west chapel is that of St. Francis Xavier and many of the faithful make a pilgrimage to pin photos and keepsakes of loved ones on the statue’s garments. The candles that are burning in both the east and west chapels are special made for the mission and are available in the gift shop and museum.
After leaving the chapel, wander the grounds and see what else you can discover, such as the fountain and garden to the north of the church or perhaps the mortuary and burial grounds to the west of the building. The museum tour is both fascinating and informative, giving insights into many of the designs used in the construction of the mission. Across the parking lot is the Plaza and contains several gift shops and a small food court. But before you go for that hot dog or hamburger, try some Indian Fry Bread. This deep fried local delicacy is delicious with toppings such as honey or shredded beef and is available from the many booths that are set up throughout the grounds.
Please remember that the San Xavier Mission is first and foremost a place of worship. Services are held regularly and attended by the descendents of the workers who built the church so please be respectful.
As always, this is Tucson so use plenty of sunscreen, drink a lot of water and don’t forget the camera
A visit to the breathtaking SAN XAVIER DEL BAC MISSION is a must if you are visiting Tucson and it is a quick trip from both downtown and the airport. San Xavier Mission was founded in 1692 by a Jesuit priest, Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino, and is located in the Tohono O’odham Reservation about 14 miles south of Tucson. The mission was constructed with fired adobe bricks and its architecture blends together elements of Byzantine, Moorish and Mexican designs, creating a wonder not to be missed.
The White Dove of the Desert, as the mission is sometimes called, can be seen before you even arrive with the glaring white of the structure visible for miles. Driving in, you can’t miss the cemetery off to the left. These burial grounds are for the members of the Tohono O’odham only and please remember to be respectful, as funeral services may be ongoing during your visit. Also there is a school and fire department nearby so please use caution when nearing the parking lot.
As you prepare to enter the mission, take a moment and gaze up at the two towers. The east tower was never completed and there are several theories as to why. Some say that it was lack of funding or that the taxes would be less on an unfinished structure. Other stories abound of ghosts and hauntings that frightened the away the workers. The façade also includes exquisite engravings of the Franciscan coat-of-arms that greet those who enter the church. On of the most fascinating things that I’ve discovered was the door handles on the thick Mesquite doors. The handles are of a copper rattlesnake with a copper mouse on the far side. Legends say the when the rattlesnake catches the mouse the end of the world is near.
The interior of the church is spectacular. It is simply breathtaking with colorful murals and artwork covering the walls and statues of the saints spread throughout the chapel. If you look closely at the designs painted on the walls, you might just see that animals such as deer and rabbits are also included, possible representing what was important to the workers. The statue lying in the west chapel is that of St. Francis Xavier and many of the faithful make a pilgrimage to pin photos and keepsakes of loved ones on the statue’s garments. The candles that are burning in both the east and west chapels are special made for the mission and are available in the gift shop and museum.
After leaving the chapel, wander the grounds and see what else you can discover, such as the fountain and garden to the north of the church or perhaps the mortuary and burial grounds to the west of the building. The museum tour is both fascinating and informative, giving insights into many of the designs used in the construction of the mission. Across the parking lot is the Plaza and contains several gift shops and a small food court. But before you go for that hot dog or hamburger, try some Indian Fry Bread. This deep fried local delicacy is delicious with toppings such as honey or shredded beef and is available from the many booths that are set up throughout the grounds.
Please remember that the San Xavier Mission is first and foremost a place of worship. Services are held regularly and attended by the descendents of the workers who built the church so please be respectful.
As always, this is Tucson so use plenty of sunscreen, drink a lot of water and don’t forget the camera
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