Architecturally, the two churches give you interesting looks at two massive buildings that still “shine.”

St. Augustine’s Cathedral

Saint Augustine’s Cathedral is at the edge of downtown Tucson.  Originally built in the 1860s, the church was restored in 1968.  St. Augustine’s sits right on the street and takes up most of a block.  The architecture, complete with stained glass, is impressive.

St. Augustine's Cathedral -with impressive architectural detail

St. Augustine’s still serves its Catholic parishioners of Tucson with daily masses, some held in English, some in Spanish and some are sung.

http://www.staugustinecathedral.com/history.html

San Xavier del Bac

On the Tohono O’Odom Indian reservation, San Xavier del Bac Mission looks like a gleaming temple in the desert.  Since it is likely that the Mission was built by the Indians, it is fitting that the church is on their land. Masses are still celebrated in the mission, which is open every day.

San Xavier del Bac - near the "water" - gleaming in the desert

According to their Web site the architecture is a “graceful blend of Moorish, Byzantine and late Mexican Renaissance architecture.” The current building is over 200 years old.  It really does seem to gleam in the desert in contrast to the earth tone browns and scrub brush.  A current refurbishment makes the white very startling as you drive down Interstate 19 to visit.  What is surprising is that the architecture which looks symmetrical suddenly appears irregular on closer observation.  The two tours are not identical, since one does not contain a bell tower.  There is a dome that is noticeable from certain angles as well.

Open to tourists, there is no fee to visit, but donations are, of course, appreciated.

http://www.sanxaviermission.org/

Happy holidays to all, no matter what you celebrate!

Don’t forget to visit our SHOP for some unique gifts and memories of our scenic visits.

Next week:  We’ll visit Prescott, Arizona – sometimes called the Christmas city of Arizona