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San Xavier Mission Tucson Arizona

When we first visited San Xavier Mission in Tucson Arizona, we felt like local history was coming alive!

  • Not only from its amazing architecture.
  • And not solely a place of worship.
  • But let's include a testament to its culture and inspirational art expressions.

Are you a history buff? Or enthusiastic about architectural design? Maybe you're simply seeking to be surrounded with tranquility or spirituality.

Whatever your interest, visiting the San Xavier Mission, Tucson Arizona, is a wondrous opportunity that continues as a memorable experience.

Front of the San Xavier Mission in Tucson on Tohono Odom LandsFront of San Xavier Mission, Tucson Arizona

Planning a San Xavier Mission
Tucson Arizona Visit

Calendar on a kitchen wall above the counter with a clock and a country photo on the wall

A little preparation will make the most of your time. To help you see everything you'd like. And where to fit it into your Tucson travels.

Open Days & Hours for San Xavier Mission

It usually won't be difficult to fit this in your schedule.

  • The mission is open daily, from 7am to 5pm. The only days it's definitely closed to tourism is on Good Friday and Christmas Day.
  • However, because of the step-by-step phased process of refurbishments, sometimes it's closed to the public.
  • Call the Church Office to see if your visit will work: 520-294-2624
  • There is no admission charge. Entry is free. They gladly take donations. Which they use to support needed maintenance for the mission's preservation.
  • In fact, a repair & refurbishing was recently accomplished. 

And there is More Yet to Come. Keeping this historic relic for us and future generations is important.

San xavier mission in tucson in 1902After an 1887 earthquake, this photo shows reconstruction ongoing in 1902

Location of San Xavier Mission Tucson Arizona

Located near the eastern edge of the Tohono O'odham Nation, as a Mission to tribal peoples. Begun by Father Eusebio Kino, an Italian Jesuit missionary. He'd traveled throughout the US Southwest & Northern Sonora Mexico.

San Xavier Mission, Tucson Arizona is just a 10-mile drive south of downtown Tucson. Wherever you're located, getting to the Mission is easy enough. Follow our directions and you can't miss it! There's plenty of free parking.

Here are three methods to get there:

  1. From much of Tucson, head east on I-10. If you're on the east or southeast sides of town, head west on I-10. Then take the ramp to access I-19 South, exiting at 99.
  2. From the freeway's start, go south on I-19. Get off at Exit-99 onto San Xavier Road.
  3. If you're near Valencia Road: from the southwest side, go east to turn right on S.Mission Road; from the east side, go west, it's a left onto S.Mission Rd.
  4. Then the first left turn takes you to the Mission.
direction map showing how to get to San Xavier Mission in Tucson

What to See at San Xavier Mission
Tucson Arizona

The entire building is the oldest in Arizona that was built by Spanish Europeans.

Bell towers at San Xavier Mission TucsonWhen you arrive, you can't miss the wonderful bell towers.

Then focus on the entryway, with its ornate carvings.

Mission entryway with its introduction to the carvings seen even more inside.You're Invited to Come Inside

Once entering the church's nave, you'll see even more. Look up and to each side.

  • Gold-leafed altars shimmering from candlelight.
  • Stunning murals surviving through the years.
Ornate sanctuary at Mission San Xavier del BacWalls filled with detailed sculpting & ornamentation.
  • Soaring ceilings painted with brilliant colors.
  • Look into scattered niches for statues of saints.
Saint in an alcove of the Mission in TucsonCatholic Female Saint Image

Next exit to see what's on the mission grounds.

  • The wondrous courtyard with shade trees, looking beautifully traditional.
  • A museum displays local historical treasures
  • Peruse the gift shop for unique souvenirs.

The church and its surroundings, with all its soulful artistry, can give you that peaceful vibe.

Arrange a Guided Tour

Mission docents lead guided tours. They can provide eye-opening, behind-the-scenes appreciation for the mission's artwork & architecture. Plus give you tidbits about people's lives, who've lived here for centuries.

Docents conduct tours on weekdays, lasting about one hour. They form hourly at 15 minutes past the hour, beginning 9:15am, only Mon.-Fri. The last one of each day goes at 12:15pm.

Reservations aren't needed, but in case you're planning on a tour at a specific time, it's best to call ahead. (520-294-2624, Ext-108). At times tours must be cancelled. If that happens, & you'll not come on over, you can Take A Virtual Tour.

An Extra Treat - Native Eats

The first time we went to San Xavier Mission Tucson Arizona we noted the food stand across from the church. After we went through the mission church and grounds, it was lunchtime, so we checked on that stand.

People were making fresh fry bread. We ordered, & it was delish!

  • Many Native Americans & First Nations of Canada use it in place of taco shells & bread, and in recipes.
  • The say Navajo People invented it. We sampled theirs at a festival in Tombstone Arizona. Using it for sandwiches.

The Tohono O'odham people make it here, at their stand across from the mission. It's made fresh when you order. You can choose your toppings. Like for lunch by adding beans & cheese. Or a treat with honey or powdered sugar.

Across from a Tucson historical mission is this area for preparing fry bread by local Native AmericansSheltered Area Ready to Greet Guests & Prepare The Frybread

Please Respect San Xavier Mission Etiquette

When arriving at San Xavier Mission Tucson Arizona, keep in mind it's not meant to be only a tourist attraction.

This mission has profound cultural & religious importance to Tohono O'odham people, and others. Please be thoughtful of its solemn place in traditions of the Tohono O'odham community. After all, you're a guest on Tohono O'odham land. Entry into the church isn't a tourist's right.

  • Courtesy is reflected in your clothing. Wear modest simple attire, ensuring your shoulders and knees aren't exposed.
  • While inside the church, speak quietly.
  • Don't use flash photography indoors.

By being mindful and polite, you'll ensure your visit to San Xavier Mission is a meaningful, enriching experience.

Other rules are:

  • They do not rent the church, including for marriages.
  • Mission use prohibited for advertising businesses, as a movie-set, or for commercial photo-shoots.
  • Drones are prohibited.

Brief History of San Xavier Mission

Some timeline notes to take you through history:

  • Founded in 1692 by Father Kino, the mission stands can remind us of the rich history of Tucson Arizona and surrounding areas.
  • The original mission was destroyed during an Apache raid in 1770.
  • It was rebuilt. The current structure was completed in 1797.
  • Earthquake causes damage in 1887.
  • Needed repairs begin.
  • In 1963 San Xavier Mission Tucson Arizona was listed in the US National Register of Historic Places
  • Serious efforts begin in 1978 to repair, restore & maintain the Mission.
Mission church with scaffolding around the side to the front to manage repairsScaffolding Installed on the Mission, Preparing for Repairs
What is this Mission San Xavier del Bac historic enclosureWHAT IS THIS? CLICK TO SEE OUR FAQ BELOW FOR THE ANSWER!

Visiting for Religious Services

When visiting San Xavier Mission you can arrange to attend a mass.

The mission is an active parish church. Catholic services are held on Sundays, and throughout the week. Of course Catholics are welcome to mass.

But if Catholicism is not your faith. As a person interested in attending mass for the historical ambience, you're welcome too.

Takeaways for San Xavier Mission Tucson Arizona

Some visit San Xavier Mission to view its architectural grandeur. Others strictly to authentically understand its history. Still others come for its devotional meaning. Or maybe it's something else?

Whatever the reason for your visit, the mission is waiting to welcome you. When you're looking for Tourist Attractions in Tucson, we recommend adding San Xavier Mission Tucson Arizona to your schedule.

FAQs for San Xavier Mission Tucson Arizona

I think I've heard this mission called by other names. Is that so?

The official name is San Xavier del Bac Mission.

  • The "del Bac" part of its name refers to a place of waters. Near the Mission were freshwater springs, plus the Santa Cruz River (always running during its establishment) was nearby.
  • It also has a nickname: The White Dove of the Desert.

I've heard something about seeing a mummy there! Is that true?

Not really. People get that impression when looking at a glass case. But it's not a mummy inside this coffin-like container at San Xavier Tucson Arizona!

Located in the Western section, the transept which helps form the cross design. You'll view the glass "burial site" of what was thought to be Jesus after crucifixion.

It came from Tumacacori National Historical Park. In 1849, the Tumacacori Mission area population was tired of Apache attacks. They took statues with them, including this one. On the way to San Xavier Mission the legs broke off!

It was stored at San Xavier, until placement in the glass case about 35 years later. Around 1916, it was revised to be St. Francis Xavier.