El Tiradito Shrine

While teens and some adults may cringe at the idea of visiting an historic shrine while traveling, they may be completely into seeing El Tiradito Shrine in Tucson because it is mysterious and fascinating. It is located in the Old Barrio part of town and features a crumbled old brick building that has a rack for candles. People who visit light the candles which depict various saints and place them along the edges of the building. People also press pieces of paper with prayers or wishes on them into the cracks in the building, in hopes that the locations mysterious powers will bring the prayers and wishes true. The location is also a popular destination for local writers, poets, and visual artists, all seeking inspiration. This is believed to be the only Catholic shrine built in the country to a sinner who was buried in unconsecrated grounds. It is believed the man buried on the grounds was killed by his father-in-law in a fight for the love of his life, who was thought to have been his mother-in-law. Those lighting candles hope that the man's soul may one day be released from purgatory, but also to bring back someone who has been lost to them either physically or spiritually. The belief is that once you light your candle and prayer, your prayers will be answered if your candle remains lit until the following day.