Loretto Chapel miracle staircase New Mexico

Explore: Loretto Chapel and the Mysterious Staircase

(Category: North America > United States > New Mexico)

Overview

The Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a mysterious architectural gem. Best known for its “miraculous staircase,” this historic chapel invites visitors to marvel at a spiral staircase that seems to defy logic and craftsmanship. With no visible means of support and a legend involving an anonymous carpenter, the staircase has baffled architects and historians for over a century. Whether you’re drawn by faith, curiosity, or the lure of an unsolved mystery, Loretto Chapel offers a glimpse into the unexplained.

History of Loretto Chapel and the Miraculous Staircase

The story of the Loretto Chapel begins in 1852, when the Sisters of Loretto arrived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to establish a school for girls. These pioneering nuns, led by Bishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy, embarked on a mission to bring education and faith to the Southwest. In 1873, they commissioned a chapel to serve their community, hiring French architects Antoine and Projectus Mouly to design it. Inspired by Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, the chapel was built in the elegant Gothic Revival style, complete with soaring spires and exquisite stained glass windows imported from France.

However, a significant problem arose during construction: there was no way to access the choir loft, perched 22 feet above the chapel floor. A traditional staircase was impractical due to the chapel’s small size, and a ladder was deemed unsafe for the Sisters’ use. Facing what seemed like an unsolvable dilemma, the Sisters turned to prayer. For nine days, they prayed a novena to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, seeking divine guidance.

On the final day of the novena, a mysterious man appeared at the chapel, offering to build a staircase. He arrived with only a few simple tools and an unusual request for privacy while he worked. Over the next several months, he crafted a spiral staircase that stunned the Sisters and has continued to baffle experts to this day. When the staircase was complete, the man vanished without a trace, leaving behind no bill for his labor and no information about his identity.

The staircase itself is a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship. It makes two full 360-degree turns without any visible central support or nails, relying instead on a complex system of wooden dowels and precisely fitted pieces. The wood used in its construction has been identified as spruce, but its origins remain a mystery, as this type of wood is not native to the region. Equally perplexing is the fact that the staircase was built without the use of modern tools or adhesives.

As word of the miraculous staircase spread, it became a source of fascination and speculation. Some believed the carpenter was St. Joseph himself, answering the Sisters’ prayers. Others have suggested that the man was a highly skilled, yet unknown, artisan whose work was lost to history. Over the years, architects and engineers have studied the staircase, offering theories but never reaching a definitive explanation for its unique design and construction.

Adding to the intrigue is the fact that the staircase originally lacked a handrail, making its elegant spirals even more precarious. A handrail was added later, but the original craftsmanship remains untouched. To this day, the staircase is considered an extraordinary blend of art, faith, and mystery, drawing thousands of visitors each year.

The story of the Loretto Chapel and its miraculous staircase continues to captivate, offering a poignant reminder of the power of faith and the enduring allure of the unexplained.

Location

Address: 207 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Coordinates: Latitude: 35.6862° N, Longitude: 105.9378° W
Find on Google Maps: Loretto Chapel
Nearest Town: Santa Fe, NM

Getting There

By Car: From Albuquerque, take I-25 North to Santa Fe (approx. 1 hour). Exit at St. Francis Drive and follow signs to downtown Santa Fe.
By Air: The nearest airport is Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF), with flights from major cities. Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) offers additional options and is about an hour’s drive away.
By Train: Take the Rail Runner Express from Albuquerque to Santa Fe for a scenic journey.

Know Before You Go

Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Entrance Fees: $5 per person (subject to change).
Permits: No special permits required for entry. Photography is allowed but restricted during services.
Safety Tips: The chapel is accessible, but the staircase area is for viewing only.
Special Notes: Santa Fe’s elevation is 7,000 feet, so stay hydrated and pace yourself if you’re not used to higher altitudes.

Attractions

  • The Miraculous Staircase: Constructed in the late 1870s, this spiral staircase is made of wood not native to the area, has no visible nails, and rests solely on a base and top. Legend has it that a mysterious carpenter—believed by some to be St. Joseph—built it after the Sisters of Loretto prayed for a solution to reach the choir loft.
  • Gothic Revival Architecture: The chapel itself, modeled after Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, features stunning stained glass imported from France.
  • Santa Fe’s History: Located in the heart of Santa Fe, the chapel is a gateway to the city’s rich blend of Native American, Spanish, and frontier cultures.

Gear Up for Loretto Chapel

  • Backpack: Lightweight and suitable for city exploration.
  • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for Santa Fe’s cobblestone streets.
  • Water Bottle: Essential for high-altitude hydration.
  • Clothing: Layered attire for cool mornings and warm afternoons.
  • Camera: Capture the chapel’s intricate details.

Gear Up @ Quest Outdoors

Wildlife and Flora

Though urban, Santa Fe boasts nearby landscapes teeming with life. Look for piñon pines and native desert plants like yucca and prickly pear. Watch for birds such as ravens and hummingbirds.

Nearby Strange Places

  • San Miguel Mission (0.5 miles): The oldest church in the U.S., dating back to 1610.
  • El Santuario de Chimayó (30 miles): Known as the “Lourdes of America,” this site attracts pilgrims seeking healing.

Gallery

  • The Staircase: A close-up of the miraculous structure.
  • Stained Glass Windows: Sunlight streaming through vivid colors.
  • Exterior View: The chapel’s Gothic spires against a New Mexico sunset.

Leave No Trace

Help preserve the beauty and history of Loretto Chapel:

  • Respect the sacred nature of the site.
  • Avoid touching the staircase or displays.
  • Take only memories and leave only footprints.

Other Resources