San Xavier del Bac Tucson AZ

[Sparkle]

View as we were walking from the parking lot.


The carving on the front was wonderful. There is a cat and a mouse and the legend has it that when the cat catches the mouse the world will end.


A couple of the walls inside




There were two of these, one on either side of the alter.


Beth is wondering if this is a coffin?


Yep, sure looks like it.


On closer inspection it was a carving of Francis, not a mummy.


The bells over the mortuary
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[carold]

I find it amazing, that no matter how many time we have traveled around the US, we have still missed so much. Sometimes it's because we have varying interests and other times it's because-HOW did we not know about this?? Thanks-and where were these pictures taken? carold

[Sparkle]

I've just edited the topic line because I realised even before I read your post that not everybody knows where we are. Sheesh, half the time we don't know either!
On or near this site the legendary Father Kino built his adobe chapel. The facility seen today was completed by the Franciscans in 1797 and is the oldest active Catholic church in the United States. it is known as The White Dove of the Desert.

[Liz]

What a beautiful building!

[Nasoosie]

Just an amazingly beautiful church/mortuary! It always amazes me how carefully and artfully some of these old buildings were decorated, unlike out modern-day cement and steel edifices.

Thanks for the great pics.

[Carolinagal]

Oh Sparkle, thanks for posting these pictures. That church is a REAl work of art. I was in Tucson and never saw this. On the list for next time, now.
You gals are having a great trip, thanks so much for sharing.

Safe and Happy travels,
Carol

[cat]

Beautiful pictures, much thanks. A good excuse to visit Tuscson in the winter to get some warmer weather.
carol