Various old descriptions and drawings of Tumacacori show the buildings to have been arranged with the long axis of the church running north and south. To the east was a closed courtyard, surrounded by arcades and rooms; here were the quarters of the priests, storerooms, workshops, granaries, and classrooms. North of the church is the cemetery where many Christian Indians are buried. An unfinished circular mortuary chapel dominates this area. After abandonment, the cemetery was often used as a corral. Grave mounds of the mission period have long since been destroyed by weather, milling cattle, and treasure hunters. Today, the visible grave mounds are those of later Mexican-American burials. [Illustration: _The monument patio_] The church still stands, although the courtyard structures long ago fell almost entirely into ruin. In 1921, some repair work was done to the old buildings and walls to protect them against weather, a new roof was placed over the long nave, and lesser repairs were made to other parts. Repair work since that date has been limited entirely to preserving existing original construction. Today, you may examine in great detail the features of this stately old building, seeing the many interesting structural elements of the baroque architecture and the faded but original colors which the Indian workmen applied. The unfinished bell tower of burned brick speaks eloquently of how the last Franciscans tried in vain to complete the church. About Your Visit The monument, 48 miles south of Tucson and 18 miles north of Nogales on U.S. 89, is accessible by paved road throughout the year. Buses plying between these cities pass several times daily. The nearest rail connections and commercial airport are in Tucson. The monument is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Self-guiding walks lead through the museum and church, the principal features. A member of the National Park Service staff is on hand to answer questions. The Federal Recreation Area Entrance Permit will admit the driver and passengers of a private vehicle, or the purchaser regardless of mode of travel. Daily and monthly permits can also be purchased. The monument office and museum are in a building next to the parking area. Constructed in the Sonora mission style, it houses exhibits that depict facets of early Indian and Spanish history. Maps, dioramas, drawings, and photographs bring Tumacacori to life. A patio garden and fountain are part of the museum grounds. Sales publications describing the region’s history and natural history are available in the museum lobby. Picnic grounds are nearby, but there are no campgrounds. No real extremes of heat or cold normally occur here, but if you visit in winter, you should bring warm clothing. During years of normal rainfall, vegetation blooms in early spring and late summer; most species of cactus and yucca bloom from March through May. Administration