White Dove of the Desert

The Mission San Xavier del Bac is called the White Dove of the Desert for a good reason.  You see it long before you arrive there. It is stark white against the sky. It's so white it makes the sky look much darker than it actually is in photos.  These are straight off the iPhone with no retouching.

The mission was founded by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692. Construction of the current church began in 1783 and was completed in 1797.  It's a amazing example of Spanish colonial architecture.

The interior is very ornate and it would take more than one visit to really absorb everything that is there. There is a mix of Spanish, European and Native American influences.  

 

   

 

 

Next up....African Village