El Tiradito, Tucson
The crumbling bricks of the shrine of El Tiradito is one of the most popular tourist spots in Tucson. This is largely due not to the construction or facade but to the unique history of the shrine.
El Tiradito is dedicated to the memory of a man named Juan Oliveras. The legend is that Oliveras was married but was involved in a torrid love affair with his mother-in-law. He was caught by the woman's husband who killed Oliveras with an axe. The church, unwilling to bury the man in consecrated ground, buried him in the spot where he was murdered.
Visitors can pay their respects to Juan Oliveras by lighting candles at El Tiradito. Also known as the wishing shrine, many write their wishes on small slips of paper and slide them between the cracks of the stones. In addition to the faithful who leave these religious objects, El Tiradito is frequented and favored by many Tucsonans, including writers, poets, and other members of the town's artistic community.
According to the Phoenix New Times publication, El Tiradito is the only Catholic shrine in the United States dedicated to a sinner buried in unconsecrated ground. There is no cost to visit this spot in the area that is now known as Barrio Libre near downtown Tucson.
El Tiradito is dedicated to the memory of a man named Juan Oliveras. The legend is that Oliveras was married but was involved in a torrid love affair with his mother-in-law. He was caught by the woman's husband who killed Oliveras with an axe. The church, unwilling to bury the man in consecrated ground, buried him in the spot where he was murdered.
Visitors can pay their respects to Juan Oliveras by lighting candles at El Tiradito. Also known as the wishing shrine, many write their wishes on small slips of paper and slide them between the cracks of the stones. In addition to the faithful who leave these religious objects, El Tiradito is frequented and favored by many Tucsonans, including writers, poets, and other members of the town's artistic community.
According to the Phoenix New Times publication, El Tiradito is the only Catholic shrine in the United States dedicated to a sinner buried in unconsecrated ground. There is no cost to visit this spot in the area that is now known as Barrio Libre near downtown Tucson.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tucson. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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El Tiradito on Map
Sight Name: El Tiradito
Sight Location: Tucson, USA (See walking tours in Tucson)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Tucson, USA (See walking tours in Tucson)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Tucson, Arizona
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