Misión San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó

The Misión San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó is a Catholic stone church in Loreto, built with a baroque facade and supporting buttresses. The building features a distinctive pointed-arch choir window and displays the architectural characteristics typical of colonial-era mission structures.

The mission was founded in 1699 by Jesuit missionary Francisco Maria Piccolo and served as the second permanent mission outpost in Baja California. It played an important role in the early evangelization and settlement of the region by Jesuits.

The building is named after Saint Francis Xavier and showcases an ornate gilded wooden altarpiece inside, which together with religious paintings forms the focal point of the prayer space.

The building sits in a mountainous valley and is typically open to visitors during daylight hours. Sturdy footwear is advisable since the area is hilly and paths lead to the church entrance.

The mission had a sophisticated system of irrigation channels and water storage tanks that allowed the Jesuits to farm in this dry mountain valley. This hydraulic network was essential for the mission's self-sufficiency.

Location: Baja California Sur

Inception: May 11, 1699

Founders: Society of Jesus, Francisco María Píccolo

Part of: Spanish missions in Baja California

Address: 23893 San Javier, BCS, Mexico

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 07:00-20:00

GPS coordinates: 25.86056,-111.54361

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:46