San Xavier Mission in Tucson
The mission is one of Tucson's biggest tourist attractions, but it also happens to be a beautiful example of Byzantine and Moorish-inspired architecture that has roots going back to the late 1600s — definitely not something that visitors from back East see every day.
Known as "The White Dove the of the Desert," services are still held within its walls, amid elaborate frescoes, statues and paintings, fresh from recent renovations. The Mission was declared a national historic landmark in 1960.
If photography makes you hungry, walk across the property and try some tasty sweet and savory fry bread options at Café Santa Rosa.
The mission is at 1950 W. San Xavier Road off of the exit by the same name on Interstate 19.
