Architecture has fascinated me for a long time! I enjoy visiting, seeing and taking pictures of buildings. Today I want to talk about San Xavier or The White Dove of the Desert and it's Spanish Colonial Mission architecture.
Elements of Spanish Colonial Mission architecture
Building materials
In the southwest United States, including Arizona, the missions were built out of adobe, which is Spanish for 'mudbrick' and is composed of clay, silt, and sand and then covered in stucco.
Time period
Spanish mission style architecture was built around 1600s to the mid-1800s by the Spaniards. San Xavier was started in 1783 and finished in 1797.
Location
Spanish mission architecture is found mainly in California and the southwestern United States. San Xavier is just outside of Tucson, Arizona in the desert of the southwest!
Entryway
Spanish mission buildings typically have an arched entryway or some type of arched entry near the front door. San Xavier has these beautiful mesquite wood doors.
Bell Tower
A small tower with a bell in it is a common element found in Mission style architecture. San Xavier has two bell towers, the right one was never finished.
Limited windows and doors
Like the adobe the limited windows were used to keep the church cool.
Arches
One of the key features in Spanish colonial style are the arches.
 |  |
|---|
This beautiful mission became a National Historic Landmark in 1960. It is open daily and for mass and draws 200,000 visitors annually.
Sources:
Spanish Mission Architecture
Spanish Colonial Missions Architecture and Preservation
Spanish Colonial Design
History of San Xavier
San Xavier del Bac Mission-Arizona
What is Spanish Colonial Design?
Mission San Xavier del Bac
Art Talk Series Highlights
Art Talk: 2020 Posts
Art Talk: 2019 Posts
Art Talk: 2018 Posts