Just visited the Mission this week (August 26th 2009) This beautiful church is in the middle of refurbishment but very peaceful. The architecture is worth the trip alone. Many of the statues have been vandalized which is sad. The cactus and other plants are wonderful to see. There are a few shops before the parking lot and that are worth... more

Agree with most of the posts previously made. A really nice location. When we arrived, late afternoon the place was virtually empty and it was August! being out of season as it were. Would imagine it's a bit manic during the peak holiday season. Set aside about an hour. Plenty of parking opposite the mission. Stay away from the Indian... more

You can see this mission from miles away - I think it was dubbed the "white dove of the desert" and its easy to see why. It is a lovely building inside and out and it is still being renovated but is definitely worth visiting. I also had some Indian fried bread with powdered sugar - yum - which they... more

Interesting site and worth the stop to see such an old church. more

What a great way to spend some time in Tucson. This mission is a beautiful side trip when in Tucson. San Xavier is a working roman catholic church/mission on the outskirts of Tucson. Very easy to get to and free. Built in the late 1600's the architecture was amazing. It is under going renovaitons right now, but the main sactuary... more

We drove out to the Mission early Sunday morning and were able to get inside before Mass started at 10am. We also spent quite a while walking around the grounds, photographing the unique architecture. One side of the building was under construction this summer, making the building no less spectacular, but providing a challenge for our photography. I walked through... more

We stopped briefly at the Mission, a beautiful old church (built in 1797?). Scaffolding covered a large section -- but the renovations didn't really detract from our visit. We wandered inside to see the intricate wall murals and decorations. Also walked out into the courtyard. Some very large cacti in the area! The Mission also features a couple of rooms... more

Do not drive off the paved road to park in the dirt road to take pictures of the San Xavier del Bac Indian cemetery or you may be accosted by mean, unfriendly, Indian security guards driving up in a big truck who will harass you and ask for your ID and threaten you with arrest for being on Indian reservation... more

This small lovely mission is always under repair and reconstruction but go inside to see the amazing restoration that's been lovingly completed: the walls are covered with extraordinary paintings. Definitely worth a drive, and don't miss out on the fry bread sold out front. more