Location: Tucson
Top Things to do in Tucson
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The 8 Best Sacred & Religious Sites in Tucson, Arizona (AZ)
Although Tucson's fantastic weather, national parks and forests and desert provide the perfect environment for tons of outdoor recreational activities, this city of half a million people also has its share of history and culture. With a history that goes back much further than many of its southwestern neighbors, Tucson boasts turn-of-the-century architecture, historic neighborhoods, museums and the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a still-functioning 18th-century mission considered one of the most beautiful in the U.S. Mexican and Native American influences are pervasive, and the city has a distinctly Western flavor. There's also a college-town atmosphere, thanks to the University of Arizona, which has its own share of museums and a science center. Whether golfing at a world-class golf resort, horseback riding, hiking in the wilderness, discovering desert flora and fauna at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or exploring pre-Columbian and other art at the Tucson Art Museum, you'll have a mind-boggling array of things to do.
Restaurants in Tucson
1. Mission San Xavier del Bac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,326 reviews
Built in the 1700s, this recently restored white adobe church, representing a wonderful example of Spanish colonial architecture, is beautiful inside and out, with colorful frescoes, sculptures and carvings.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
The Mission San Xavier del Bac is an historic Spanish Catholic church located about 10 miles south of downtown Tucson, Arizona, on the Tohono O'odham Nation San Xavier Indian Reservation, along the Santa Cruz River. Founded in 1692, the original church destroyed during a Apache raid in 1770. The mission that survives today was built between 1783 and 1797 and is the oldest European structure in Arizona. An outstanding example of Spanish Colonial architecture, it features an elegant white stucco, Moorish-inspired exterior with an ornately decorated entrance with massive, carved mesquite-wood doors. The interior features paintings, carvings, frescoes and statues with a rich ornamentation that mixes New Spain and Native American artistic motifs. The floor plan of the church resembles the classic Latin cross with a main aisle separated from the sanctuary by the transept, which has chapels at each end. The dome above the transept is 52 feet high and supported by arches and squinches. The church is considered to be the finest example of Spanish mission architecture in the United States. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. The mission made a cameo appearance in Willa Cather's 1927 novel Death Comes for the Archbishop when it was described as "the most beautiful church on the continent." Today, it continues to be actively run by the Franciscan Order and continues to serve the native community.
2. St. Augustine Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By Gypsy1102 - Boston, United States
When we are in Tucson, we always drop in here for a moment of silent and retreat from our daily business. It is a lovely place to recharge and refuel the soul. Visit this place .. take int eh quiet take in the peace and enjoy the elegant beauty of the building itself.
3. Tucson Arizona Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By LatterDayTraveler
When one drives up to the Tuscon temple, he/she immediately notices the temple's situation in the Catalina foothills, commanding a view of the whole valley. The parking lot is large, established for many vehicles to feel its loving glow. The temple experience is heightened by a view of its lovely desert garden, featuring all sorts of cacti and flowers, attracting much local wildlife such as sparrows and quails. However, this is a shadow of its inside beauty. The "waiting area" is lovely, has an extremely clean restroom, and features a TV set that allows you to learn more about temples (through the Rome Italy open house video) and Jesus Christ.
4. Vista Sun Wheel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Lanhua - Arizona, United States
I read about a labyrinth at this same location and wanted to see that; when I got there, I saw a sign for this sun wheel and was immediately intrigued so after walking the labyrinth, I headed over to the sun wheel. It was very interesting. There are beautiful views of the desert from the sun wheel. There's also a 2-page brochure explaining what a sun wheel is that is available in a box nearby, which was helpful to me as I'd never heard of a sun wheel before. If you'd like to do something relaxing in the desert, visit this sun wheel (and labyrinth)!
5. El Tiradito Shrine
6. The Luminous Mother Of Tumamoc
7. Santa Cruz Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By mariasI9771HB - Tucson, United States
This church is a 100 yrs old and a historical treasure. However, it is still is a parish church and has a parish school. The friars and OCDS seculars pray their morning and evening prayers daily in the church. Listen and feel like you died and went up to heaven.
8. Southside Presbyterian Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
