In the vast desert on an Indian reservation just southwest of Tucson, Arizona, one would not expect to find a beautiful church. The San Xavier del Bac Mission.
Following the signs from the highway directs you toward Mission San Xavier (pronounced as "hauv-e-air") del Bac, you approach this majestic "White Dove of the Desert" (as it is affectionately called).
It is truly an awesome experience. The sheer size and bright color against a blue sky and the tan colors of the desert make San Xavier Mission a striking sight.
Although this web site is not an official site of the San Xavier Mission, it was the first web pages about the Mission published on the Internet in 1996 and is visited by thousands of people a month from all over the world.
San Xavier del Bac Mission is located nine miles southwest of Tucson, Arizona.
Take a tour and learn about the history and background of one of the most famous missions in the Southwest US. Our web site features:
Enjoy our tour and historical overview of the San Xavier Mission, then visit the home page for San Xavier del Bac Mission. For further information, please call the San Xavier Mission directly at 1-520-294-2624.
The San Xavier del Bac Mission was built between 1783 and 1797 by the Tohono O'odham tribe, under the direction of Spanish Franciscans. The mission opened Tucson's first public school in Nov. 7, 1864.
Resconstruction briefly stopped - March and April ideal photo time
By the end of February 2008, all of the scaffolding on the west side of San Xavier Mission will be taken down. In May, it will be set up on the east side of the mission. The months of March and April will be the best time to take photos without the interuption of the scaffolding.
The new scaffolding will be in place for the next three years while the San Xavier Mission continues it restoration. Restoration work is paid with funds raised by Patronato San Xavier, a local non profit group. The restoration of the church sanctuary began in 1992 and was finished in 1997.
Mission San Xavier
