The Templo y Tumba del Padre Eusebio Kino stands on the Plaza Monumental in the center of Magdalena de Kino, marking the burial crypt of the Jesuit missionary Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, who founded a chain of missions across the Pimería Alta region spanning present-day Sonora and Arizona in the late 17th century. The complex includes a modern open-sided mausoleum housing Kino's excavated remains, discovered in 1966, alongside the adjoining Templo de Santa María Magdalena and a plaza laid out for civic and religious gatherings tied to the missionary's legacy. A visit of 30 to 45 minutes covers the mausoleum, the church, and the surrounding plaza, with informational plaques explaining Kino's role in the region's colonial and mission history. Morning visits are the most comfortable, avoiding the strong midday sun that the exposed plaza receives, and the site is at its calmest on weekdays outside of the early October Fiestas de Octubre, an annual celebration honoring Kino that draws large crowds and pilgrims from across the region to Magdalena de Kino. The plaza and mausoleum are free to visit year-round, and their central location makes them an easy stop for travelers passing through Magdalena de Kino along Federal Highway 15 between Hermosillo and the Arizona border.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily 9:00AM-6:00PM
- Best time
- Morning, before the town's midday heat
Location
Plaza Monumental Padre Kino, Centro, 84160 Magdalena de Kino, Son., Mexico
30.6339, -110.9581 View on map
Highlights
- Open-sided mausoleum holding the remains of missionary Padre Eusebio Kino
- Adjoining Templo de Santa María Magdalena
- Historical plaques on Kino's Pimería Alta mission chain
- Central plaza setting for the annual Fiestas de Octubre celebration
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the morning to avoid the exposed plaza's midday heat
- Expect large crowds during the early October Fiestas de Octubre
- Combine with a stop in central Magdalena de Kino if traveling Federal Highway 15
- Entry to the mausoleum and plaza is free
When to visit
Morning visits avoid the plaza's midday heat, while early October coincides with the large Fiestas de Octubre crowds.
Accessibility
The plaza and mausoleum are at ground level with paved surfaces, making them accessible for wheelchair users.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Templo y Tumba del Padre Eusebio Kino take?
A typical visit to the mausoleum, church, and plaza takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Is the site worth it for kids?
It offers an accessible introduction to regional mission history for children, particularly when paired with the plaza's open space.
Is photography allowed at the mausoleum?
Yes, photography of the mausoleum, church exterior, and plaza is generally permitted.