Our Lady of Pilar Church (Misión de Nuestra Señora del Pilar)
Ímuris, Sonora, 84133
Set against the sweeping backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the 18th-century Our Lady of Pilar Church (Misión de Nuestra Señora del Pilar) is the town’s most notable religious edifice. Originally built by Spanish missionaries and characterized by a yellow facade, an altar surrounded by stained glass, and sweeping views over the ocean, Our Lady of Pilar Church is a Todos Santos must-see.
The Basics
Originally developed as an outpost of a larger mission in nearby La Paz, Our Lady of Pilar Church eventually became the principal mission of the Jesuits. Highlights include the simple adobe exterior, interior niches, and a statue of the eponymous Virgin of Pilar. A plaque honouring the mission’s founder, Father Jaime Bravo, can be found by the door. Most tours of Todos Santos pass by the church, many of which depart from nearby La Paz or Cabo San Lucas.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Virgin of Pilar is considered the patron saint of Todos Santos and honored annually with a festival in October.
Most visits to Todos Santos include a stop at the church, although it’s easy to admire independently.
Our Lady of Pilar Church is accessible for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Our Lady of Pilar Church is situated just off the main plaza in Todos Santos, a Baja California town located 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of La Paz and 45 miles (72 kilometers) north of Cabo San Lucas. For those already in Todos Santos, the church is easy to reach on foot from most points in the town.
When to Get There
The church is open daily, typically from 9am to 5pm, and is free to access within those hours. The best time to visit is in October, when a festival is held in honor of the Virgin of Pilar. Todos Santos itself is pleasant year-round, although fall is an especially great time to visit as there are fewer tourists, warm weather, and the possibility of spotting whales in the oceans off the Baja California peninsula.
What to Do in Todos Santos
A renowned Mexican surf destination, Todos Santos is a great place to get out on the waves and enjoy the beach. Whale-watching tours also run between November and March, while sea turtle releases offer family-friendly fun. Another must-see is the Todos Santos downtown with its colorful colonial architecture—look out for Hotel California, although Eagles singer Don Henley denies the Todos Santos locale was the inspiration for the hit song.
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