Day 32: San Xavier del Bac Mission (2/6/22)

 The morning was bright and fair, and we hustled to get ready to go into Tucson for some groceries—and also to visit one of the most iconic and well-preserved Spanish missions in the Southwest: San Xavier del Bac Mission.

The mission was started by the Jesuits in the 1600s, but it was the Franciscans who oversaw the construction of the mission, completed in 1797. It has become an iconic symbol of the Tucson area and is being slowly and carefully restored, using the natural ingredients that make up the original bricks and mortar. It’s an impressive building from the outside:


The white wash on the towers makes the sky appear even bluer.



The outside is simple and elegant, classic Spanish mission architecture. The inside is a feast of ornate detail and symbol, awash in color and texture:




St. Francis Xavier

The chapel itself is small but magnificent.

The Spirit descending at Pentecost

The original wooden door.

Due to Covid restrictions and lack of space, the priest explained that Sunday’s service would be held in a different building toward the back. Not too many people can fit in this space:


Several food stalls set up in the parking lot sold Indian fry bread, tacos, and burritos. A mausoleum next to the church housed the remains of the first two priests serving the parish.


Reluctantly taking our leave, we headed into Tucson for the more mundane locations of Trader Joe’s and CVS, then returned home for another relaxed evening and gorgeous sunset.






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