Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico stands as a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, captivating visitors with its intricate details and serene beauty. Yet, it is not the chapel’s soaring spires or stained-glass windows that draw the most attention—it’s the legendary Miraculous Staircase, a feat of craftsmanship that has puzzled experts and inspired wonder for over a century.
The Loretto Chapel was built in 1878 for the Sisters of Loretto, who had established a school for girls in Santa Fe. Modeled after the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, the chapel boasts a dramatic interior filled with vaulted ceilings, elegant carvings, and stunning stained-glass windows imported from France.
The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book
Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation.
However, when construction neared completion, the nuns faced a major issue: the choir loft, located high above the main floor, lacked a staircase. Adding a standard staircase wasn’t feasible due to the chapel’s small size, and a ladder would be unsafe and impractical.
The Sisters of Loretto turned to prayer, asking for guidance from St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. According to legend, their prayers were answered when a mysterious carpenter arrived, offering to build a staircase. Working in solitude with only simple tools and wooden pegs—no nails or glue—he constructed a stunning, helix-shaped spiral staircase that seems to defy the laws of physics.
The Miraculous Staircase rises 22 feet in two full 360-degree turns, with no central support beam or visible means of reinforcement. Engineers and architects alike have marveled at its design, which relies on precise craftsmanship to distribute weight evenly. The wood used in the staircase has been identified as spruce, though it’s not native to the region, adding another layer of intrigue to the story.
After completing the staircase, the carpenter disappeared without a trace, leaving no name or bill for his work. Many believe the mysterious builder was St. Joseph himself, answering the sisters’ prayers.
Today, the Miraculous Staircase is one of Santa Fe’s most popular attractions, drawing visitors from around the world. The staircase is no longer in use due to safety concerns, but it remains on display, protected by railings to preserve its integrity.
As you explore the chapel, take in the intricate details of the staircase, from the smooth, curved banisters to the nearly seamless joinery. Interpretive panels and staff are available to share the staircase’s history and the enduring mystery behind its creation.
Located just off the Santa Fe Plaza, the Loretto Chapel is easy to visit as part of a day exploring the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. In addition to viewing the staircase, guests can admire the chapel’s stunning interior, learn about the Sisters of Loretto, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this sacred space.
Photos of the Miraculous Staircase at Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico
