The Church
The painted interior and altarpieces, restored by conservators and Tohono Oʼodham craftspeople.
Mission San Xavier del Bac
The "White Dove of the Desert", a gleaming 18th-century Spanish mission on the Tohono Oʼodham Nation south of Tucson, still serving its community.
Mission San Xavier del Bac, gleaming white against the desert south of Tucson, is called the White Dove of the Desert. Father Kino founded the mission in 1692; the church you see was finished in 1797 and is one of the finest Spanish colonial buildings in the United States.
It stands on the Tohono Oʼodham Nation and still serves the community as its parish church. Inside, every surface is painted and carved: saints, angels and gilded altarpieces glowing in the dim light.
- Best Time
- October–April, when the desert is mild
- Time Needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Every day; check sanxaviermission.org for hours and Mass times
- Getting There
- About 15 minutes south of downtown Tucson, off I-19.
What to See
2 of 3 are freeGrotto Hill
A short climb to a small shrine with the best view of the mission against the desert.
The Plaza
Tohono Oʼodham vendors often sell fry bread and crafts across from the church.
Know Before You Go
- Entry is free; donations help pay for the ongoing restoration.
- It's an active church. Dress respectfully and keep quiet during Mass.
Where to Stay
Stay in Tucson.
Where to Eat
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A desert city between the two halves of Saguaro National Park, known for its Sonoran-Mexican food.
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If You're NearbyPhoenix
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Desert resorts, the Desert Botanical Garden and a base for Sedona and the Grand Canyon.
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Must-SeeLast checked 2026-10-31. Part of the Southwest list.