A National Historic Landmark, San Xavier Mission was founded as a Catholic mission by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692 and is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona today.

The current church dates from the late 1700's, when Southern Arizona was part of New Spain. In 1783, Franciscan missionary Fr. Juan Bautista Velderrain was able to begin construction on the present structure using money borrowed from a Sonoran rancher. He hired an architect, Ignacio Gaona, and a large workforce of O'odham to create the present church.

Following Mexican independence in 1821, San Xavier became part of Mexico. The last resident Franciscan of the 19th Century departed in 1837. With the Gadsden Purchase of 1854, the Mission joined the United States. In 1859, San Xavier became part of the Diocese of Santa Fe. In 1866, Tucson became an incipient diocese and regular services were held at the Mission once again.

The church is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with mass taking place Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays 10 and 11:30 a.m.