The Mission San Xavier del Bac is an active Catholic mission that dates back to 1692, with the current building started in 1793. It is a unique National Historical Landmark with its combination of ongoing masses open to everyone, but marriages, baptisms, and its own school are only open to the local participating community. When not in active use for Catholic events, the public can wander its museum, side chapel, and the main church, usually with devoted Catholics intermixed in the pews.
The property has been damaged over time by weather and earthquakes, but the restoration is now very active and visible onsite. On the outside the white walls and well-defined forms are returning, and inside the colors are regaining their former visual pizzazz.
