Mission San Xavier del Bac
A white Spanish colonial mission church of the 1790s on the Tohono O'odham Nation, still serving its congregation.
Updated 20 October 2026
The mission was founded by the Jesuit Eusebio Kino in 1692 and the church standing now was built by Franciscans between 1783 and 1797, in white stucco, with a dome sixteen metres high over the crossing and one tower finished and the other left without its top. It sits on the Tohono O'odham Nation and remains an active parish church, not a museum: mass is said, the congregation is local, and visitors are expected to behave accordingly. The interior is dense with painted and carved decoration; extensive restoration has been under way since 1992.
What you'll find
- A white church of 1783-1797 - Franciscan, on Kino's 1692 foundation.
- One unfinished tower - beside its finished twin.
- Painted and carved interior - much of it recently conserved.
- A working parish church - on the Tohono O'odham Nation.
When to go
October to April; summer is very hot. Two hours.
What to expect
It is an active church - services close it and photography rules apply. Conservation scaffolding appears periodically. Summer heat is severe. Respect for the community whose land it sits on is expected, not optional.
Nearby
Tucson is north; Saguaro National Park is west of the city.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q489984, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for Mission San Xavier del Bac
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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