AZ Mission San Xavier

Nicknamed the "White Dove of the Desert," this Spanish-colonial mission was completed in 1797, this Baroque-style, whitewashed mission links the 18th-century Spanish explorers with a modern-day Catholic parish. Father Eusebio Francisco Kino founded San Xavier with the intention of converting the local Native Americans to Jesuit Catholicism. The site was taken over by Franciscan priests in the 1760s and they've been here ever since. Though the architect and artists are unknown, their accomplishments are evident in the intricately carved brick entryway, sculptures of angels, carvings of the apostles and vivid frescoes that dress the ornate walls and ceiling. Catholic mass is held daily and visitors are welcome to join the services. There's also an adjacent museum and gift shop.