History
Mission San Xavier del Bac (Spanish: La Misión de San Xavier del Bac) is a historic Spanish Catholic mission about 10 miles (16 km) south of downtown Tucson, Arizona, on the Tohono O'odham Nation San Xavier Indian Reservation. The mission was founded in 1692 by Eusebio Kino in the center of a centuries-old settlement of the Sobaipuri O'odham, a branch of the Akimel or River O'odham located along the banks of the Santa Cruz River. The mission was named for Francis Xavier, co-founder of the Jesuit Order in Europe. The original church was built to the north of the later Franciscan church and was demolished during an Apache raid in 1770. The mission was rebuilt between 1783 and 1797, which makes it the oldest European structure in Arizona. Labor was provided by the O'odham. An outstanding example of Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States, the Mission San Xavier del Bac hosts some 200,000 visitors each year. It is a well-known pilgrimage site, with thousands visiting each year on foot and on horseback, some among ceremonial cavalcades or cabalgatas. The site is also known as "Wa:k" in the O'odham language (O'odham: Wa:k ("Water Place") referring to its surface water and springs...
Common questions
What is Mission San Xavier del Bac?
Mission San Xavier del Bac is a historic Spanish Catholic mission located about 10 miles south of downtown Tucson, Arizona, on the Tohono O'odham Nation San Xavier Indian Reservation. It is considered an outstanding example of Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States and the oldest European structure in Arizona.
When was Mission San Xavier del Bac built?
Mission San Xavier del Bac was founded in 1692 by Eusebio Kino. The original church was destroyed during an Apache raid in 1770, and the current Franciscan church was rebuilt between 1783 and 1797, making it the oldest European structure in Arizona.
Where is Mission San Xavier del Bac located?
Mission San Xavier del Bac is located in Pima County, Arizona, about 10 miles south of downtown Tucson, on the Tohono O'odham Nation San Xavier Indian Reservation along the banks of the Santa Cruz River.
Can you visit Mission San Xavier del Bac?
Yes. Mission San Xavier del Bac hosts some 200,000 visitors each year and is a well-known pilgrimage site, with thousands visiting on foot and on horseback, some among ceremonial cavalcades or cabalgatas.
Why is Mission San Xavier del Bac historically significant?
Mission San Xavier del Bac is the oldest European structure in Arizona and is an outstanding example of Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States. Founded by Eusebio Kino in 1692 at a centuries-old Sobaipuri O'odham settlement, it remains a major pilgrimage site for the surrounding region.