Kongo caught the golden hour today at Mission San Xavier del Bac, an historic Jesuit mission located on the Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation about 10 miles south of downtown Tucson.  This beautiful mission was founded in 1692 by Jesuit missionaries but they were kicked out by the King of Spain in 1767 and replaced by Franciscans who built the church with native labor and still serve the Indian community today.  As the sun set Kongo was able to get several Golden Hour photographs.

The eastern most bell tower remains unfinished.  The rumor surrounding this is that churches were taxed once they were finished.  By leaving the bell tower open and without bells the wily Franciscans could claim it was still under construction and avoid paying land taxes.

The church is in remarkable shape.  Before he read some of the history surrounding this place Kongo imagined that it had been built recently.

The next time you’re in the area drop by and see the mission.  It’s quite fetching during the Golden Hour.

See more Golden Hour photographs at the Weekly Photo Challenge.

Travel Safe.  Have fun.