Yesterday we took a ride out to the San Xavier Mission del Bac. It is about 10 miles from downtown Tucson and one of the most picturesque museums we have seen. The white painted adobe really contrasts with the desert scenes.
It is located on the Tohono O'odham (formerly Papago) Indian reservation.
Inside, it is very ornate and full of intricate colors. The mission was founded by Father Eusebio Francisco Kino in 1699 and continues to be run by Franciscan priests.
The outside white paint make the mission and church visible for miles. The moorish design is distinctive. No records exist which explain the architecture and history of its construction.
The mission was protected from Indian raids by the Presido which was established in nearby Tucson in 1775.
We moved way up the list to #3 and I'll be doing my next post from a full hookup site here in the campground.
The Jesuits originally ran the mission but the Franciscans took over after Charles III of Spain banned the Jesuits from the Americas in 1767.
There is a small chapel on the mission grounds and a number of other rooms. Nearby is a hill which provides a good vantage point for some pictures of the mission.
The mission was protected from Indian raids by the Presido which was established in nearby Tucson in 1775. Outside on the mission grounds, native Indians cook Indian fry bread for tourists.
Our bright sunny days are being replaced by some cloudy and rainy weather, but the temperature is in the 60's.
We moved way up the list to #3 and I'll be doing my next post from a full hookup site here in the campground.Meghan has had a couple of posts to her blog in recent days, so please take a look and remember her and here family in your prayers. Also, Kelly has some ideas on her blog post: The Heart Project, that explain how you can join with us in sending a note to Meghan and her family.
Thanks for joining us today on the Roadrunner Chronicles!
Hi Randy & Pam... Loved your post today and the pictures are fantastic... We should be visiting that area in about 4 weeks. Thanks for the information. Have fun & travel safe!
ReplyDeleteDonna
That is certainly a beautiful mission. I think it will have to go on our "to see" list. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI sent Meghan a message and also Kelly. Kelly sure had a great idea for Meghan. What a wonderful love this shows. I know you must be so proud of her.
You all take care!!
Hugs,
Mike and Gerri
That's a spectacular looking Mission and your pictures are just great. Must be the week for visiting Missions - quite a few of us bloggers are visiting. I'll check out Meghan and Kelly's blogs too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tour. Lovely pictures.
ReplyDeleteMeghan seems to be in decent spirits considering..
Happy Trails, Penny, TX