Initially established in 1691, the mission of San Xavier was the first of the missions listed in the World Heritage Site. 
In 1696, due to the incursion of Paulistas from Brazil in the east, the mission was relocated toward the San Miguel River. In 1698, it was relocated closer to Santa Cruz, but in 1708 was moved away to protect the Indians from the Spaniards. The original inhabitants of San Xavier were the Piñoca tribe.
The church was built between 1749 and 1752 by the Swiss Jesuit and architect Fr. Martin Schmid. The school and church, as well as other characteristics of residential architecture, are still visible today in the village. San Xavier was restored by Hans Roth between 1987 and 1993.
This is probably the most popular temple, during Semana Santa a lot of people of Santa Cruz go to San Xavier for a religious experience.
I guest the most striking difference between this temple and the others around the Chiquitania is the light color temple and the abundance of light.
