San Xavier del Bac Mission
The San Xavier del Bac Mission is a historic Spanish mission located in Tucson, Arizona. It was founded in 1692 by Father Eusebio Francisco Kino and is one of the oldest European settlements in what is now the United States. The mission was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Also known as the “White Dove of the Desert”, San Xavier del Bac is a popular tourist attraction and pilgrimage site.
Father Eusebio Francisco Kino was sent to Arizona by the Spanish crown to evangelize the local Native Americans. The original mission structure was built out of adobe and later destroyed by fire. A new stone church was completed in 1797 and still stands today. Over the years, San Xavier del Bac has been expanded and remodeled numerous times but retains its original Spanish colonial style.
What To Do
There is no admission fee to tour the church. You can take a free guided tour or explore on your own. The mission’s museum features artifacts from the early years of Spanish rule in Arizona and offers tours for a small fee.
San Xavier del Bac hosts many events throughout the year including an Easter market, numerous music festivals, and art shows. There are also plenty of restaurants around where you can get some authentic Mexican food after visiting this historic site!
Nearby Attractions
The Mission Garden is located near San Xavier del Bac Mission in Tucson and has been growing since 2013 as an educational demonstration garden with over 100 species of plants native to Arizona’s Sonoran Desert region that were used by Native Americans before European settlers arrived here during colonial times (and many continue to us today).
This garden also features several agricultural plots where visitors can see how crops like corn and beans are grown using traditional methods passed down through generations of indigenous peoples living in southern Arizona.
The Mission Garden is open daily from dawn until dusk with no admission fee required; however, donations are appreciated! The location is within walking distance or just a short drive away from San Xavier del Bac Mission – making it easy for anyone looking for something fun to do after visiting this historic site!
Tips
Bring your family: This is a great place to bring your family and friends. The mission has plenty of activities for kids as well as adults so everyone can enjoy themselves!
Bring cash: Most shops in the area are cash only, so be sure to bring some with you when visiting this historic site! You may also want an extra pair of shoes or sandals if it’s hot outside because many people wear out their soles on those rock steps leading up into each building (and down again).
Get there early or late: If possible try arriving before 11 am because most people come during lunchtime which means it’ll be crowded then (but if not don’t worry too much – just plan accordingly).