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Old Adobe Mission: A Scottsdale Landmark

Discover Scottsdale's oldest church: a beautifully restored Spanish Colonial Mission with a rich history and serene atmosphere in the heart of Old Town.

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The Old Adobe Mission, originally Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, is the oldest standing church in Scottsdale, Arizona. Built in 1933 by Mexican immigrants, its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and serene atmosphere offer a glimpse into Scottsdale's early history.

A brief summary to Old Adobe Mission Scottsdale

Local tips

  • Visit during the annual Dia de los Muertos celebration to experience a traditional Mexican holiday in a historic setting.
  • Take a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of the mission (check for availability and donation requests).
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through Old Town Scottsdale's arts, shopping, and entertainment districts.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Old Adobe Mission is located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, easily accessible on foot from most nearby hotels, shops, and restaurants. From the Scottsdale Civic Center, walk north on Brown Avenue for about 5 minutes. The mission will be on your left at 3817 N Brown Ave.

  • Public Transport

    Valley Metro Bus Route 72 stops near the Old Adobe Mission at the 'Scottsdale Rd & Brown Ave' stop. From there, walk south on Brown Ave for about 0.2 miles. A single bus fare costs $2.00.

  • Ride Share

    Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop you off directly at the Old Adobe Mission. Enter '3817 N Brown Ave, Scottsdale, AZ' as your destination. A ride from Tempe typically takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately $20-$30.

Unlock the Best of Old Adobe Mission Scottsdale

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Discover more about Old Adobe Mission Scottsdale

The Old Adobe Mission, located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, is a testament to the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Originally named Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Catholic Church, it was built by hand by Mexican settlers in the late 1910s and completed in 1933. Robert T. Evans designed the church in a Spanish Colonial Revival style, drawing inspiration from structures in Sonora and New Mexico. The construction of the mission involved over 14,000 adobe bricks, each weighing 50 pounds and made from a blend of native clay, silt, sand, straw, dung and water. These bricks were carried and placed by hand by members of the community. Grandvell Shumaker provided the blueprints, while Bérnabe Herrera, a tinsmith, crafted the mission's 15 stained-glass panes using discarded glass from St. Augustine's Cathedral in Tucson. The women of the community played a vital role by organizing fundraising efforts and providing support to the workers. The Old Adobe Mission served as a parish until 1956 when a larger church was built. In 2001, the City of Scottsdale officially placed the mission on its Register of Historic Buildings, and restoration efforts began. Today, the Old Adobe Mission stands as a monument to faith and a reminder of Scottsdale's origins, offering a peaceful sanctuary for prayer, contemplation, and reflection. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored interiors, admire the stained-glass windows, and learn about the mission's history through tours.

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