Mission San Xavier del Bac is a church, school, and frequently visited tourist attraction in Tucson on the Tohono O'Odham San Xavier Indian Reservation.
The mission was named in 1692 by Padre Eusebio Kino for a pioneering Christian missionary and co-founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order), Francis Xavier.
Completed in 1797, the church has Mexican, Spanish, and Tohono O'odham influences.
Dubbed the "white dove in the desert," visitors come from near and far to see the ornate and detailed artwork, to learn about the history, and to admire the careful preservation.
The mission is located at 1950 W. San Xavier Road in southwest Tucson.
The church is open from 9:00am to 4:00pm daily.
The museum is currently closed.
Free tours are typically offered Monday-Saturday starting at 9:30am until 1:00 pm when the church is not in use, but tours are currently on-hold. Be sure to call in advance to check availability.
Yes. Masses are held outdoors at the inner courtyard of the Church and is limited to 25 attendees. Please call 520.294.2624 to reserve a place. All are welcome. Services typically last 45-60 minutes.
Please note the mass schedule:
Admission is free. Donations are accepted.
Visitor parking is available in a large dirt lot in front of the mission.
Dress for the weather as you will be walking both indoors and outdoors. There is neither heating in the winter nor air conditioning in the summer.
Bring water bottles, snacks, cash, and a camera. Perhaps a sketchpad or journal?
Yes.
The Mission is most crowded on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Least crowded days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Food is not allowed in the church itself. The adjacent San Xavier Plaza sells food, however, and there are some outdoor areas where you could sit down to enjoy a snack.
No. See above.
The Mission is pretty far off the beaten path so you'll likely have to drive 10+ minutes to dine. Our top picks within a 10-mile radius are:
Elementary age students (and older) will probably get the most enjoyment out of the artwork and museum. That said, babies and toddlers are certainly welcome.
Sure. The mission itself isn’t very big, but you may walk a bit around the property. Note that Grotto Hill is closed until further notice.
No.
The Mission was created to serve the needs of the local community. As such, the policy is "to only do marriages, baptisms, etc. or the local community. The church cannot be rented out."
No.
Pets are allowed in the facility if on a leash.
Check out the complete list of Tucson Museums.
