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The Miraculous Staircase in Loretto Chapel

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When our friends heard we’re going to Santa Fe, New Mexico, they suggested us to stop at Loretto Chapel. They said it’s a beautiful church with the miraculous staircase, where their son got married. After I googled it, I knew I have to put Loretto Chapel in our itinerary.

Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe: a Church or a Museum?

From its name, we know that Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe is a church. But what was a Roman Catholic church, now it is used as a museum and a wedding chapel.

Loretto Chapel is known for its unusual spiral staircase that has two 360 degrees turns and no visible means of support. It is also said that the staircase was built without nails, only wooden pegs.

The History of the Miraculous Staircase in Loretto Chapel

Loretto Chapel was built in 1878 without access to the choir loft twenty-two feet above. The Sisters of the Chapel asked carpenters around for solutions but all said it needed a ladder as a staircase would interfere with the interior of this small Chapel. Then they made a novena to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters.

On the ninth and final day of prayer, a man appeared at the Chapel with a donkey and a toolbox looking for work. He started the work and completed the staircase to the choir loft. But the carpenter disappeared without pay and thanks once his work had done. The Sisters searched for the man with no trace, and some believed that he was St. Joseph the carpenter himself, having come in answer to the sisters’ prayers.

Santa Fe & Albuquerque - Loretto Chapel

The Beautiful Loretto Chapel

Like most churches built in the 1800s, Loretto Chapel has a Gothic architecture style. When I walked into the chapel, I felt like I walked into one of the buildings in Gotham City. But peaceful was what I felt once inside the chapel.

The miraculous staircase stood magnificently at the back of the chapel. People lit candles and said their prayers. The stained glasses added a touch of beauty to this chapel. No wonder it’s one of the favorite places for a wedding. Even it doesn’t function as a church anymore, everybody kept their voices low to respect others who came for a quiet time.

Tips for visiting Loretto Chapel:

– Chapel may close without notice for special events; call ahead to make sure it’s open.

– Visit when they just open to beat the crowd.

– You can only see the staircase; you can’t climb it.

Loretto Chapel Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm

Friday-Saturday: 9.30 am – 5.00 pm

Sunday: 10.30 am – 5.00 pm.

Closed on Christmas Day.

Loretto Chapel admission fee: $5. Children 6 and under: Free.

Address: 207 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501 (505) 982-0092.

Wedding Information: Call (505) 982-0092. Email weddings@lorettochapel.com

Next to the chapel is the museum store where you can find things like chapel souvenirs, rosaries, Christmas decorations with New Mexico design, home decorations, Christian jewelry, and other religious items.

A visit to Loretto Chapel doesn’t really take much of your time. You must check out this 50 things to do in Santa Fe to make your visit in town more fun and memorable.

Not everyday you can find a chapel without a support on its spiral staircase. In fact, Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe New Mexico is the only one that has this miraculous staircase. Don't forget to visit this chapel next time you're in town. #lorettochapel #miraculousstaircase #santafenm #usatravel

Visit Loretto Chapel in #SantaFe #NewMexico. Famous for its staircase that has two 360 degrees turns with no visible means of support.

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25 Comments

  1. When we visited Santa Fe, seeing the Loretto Chapel and the staircase was definitely one of the things on our list. As a civil engineer, I spent a long time looking at the staircase and its construction to stand with no means of support. I can see why people would want this beautiful spot for their wedding.

    1. I love Santa Fe, too. There are so much to see in town that we haven’t got to visit yet. Maybe this summer we will go there again.

  2. That staircase is gorgeous! I want that in my house LOL I love visiting Churches – is that weird?

    1. Yes, it’s really gorgeous! I like visiting churches, too, especially when it’s unique. So, no, I don’t think it’s weird. Haha…

  3. What an incredible story! I love learning about the unique history of beautiful places like this. Thanks so much for sharing your visit to this incredible chapel!

  4. I’ve never heard of this before, but thank you for sharing! The Staircase and Chapel look amazing. I’m sure the wedding photos were amazing too. The history of the place is also interesting that it’s from the 1800s.

  5. Always love to hear the stories behind the various places I visit. I think this staircase looks really cool, but after knowing the story behind it, I think it’s absolutely fascinating! If I’m ever in the area, I’ll definitely have to swing by here!

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