Loretto Chapel
A historic chapel in Santa Fe, renowned for its 'miraculous' spiral staircase built without nails or central support.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Loretto Chapel
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic chapel in Santa Fe, renowned for its 'miraculous' spiral staircase built without nails or central support.
"The staircase is a must-see if you like art; it's truly neat stuff!"
🎟️ Admission Fee
There's a small admission fee ($5 for adults) to enter the chapel and see the staircase.
📸 Photography Allowed
You can take photos inside the chapel, but be respectful of others and the sacred space.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Miraculous Staircase
Main Chapel
A gravity-defying spiral staircase built without nails or central support, shrouded in legend.
Stained-Glass Windows
Main Chapel
Beautifully crafted stained-glass windows that cast a colorful glow throughout the chapel.
Chapel History Museum
Adjacent to Chapel
Explore the chapel's rich history and the captivating legend of the staircase's construction.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Miraculous Staircase: A Must-See
Beyond the Staircase: History and Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Admission Fee
There's a small admission fee ($5 for adults) to enter the chapel and see the staircase.
📸 Photography Allowed
You can take photos inside the chapel, but be respectful of others and the sacred space.
🕯️ Light a Prayer Candle
Donation-based prayer candles are available for a peaceful moment of reflection.
🚶♀️ Explore the Museum
The adjacent museum offers great context about the chapel's history and the staircase legend.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Admission Fee
There's a small admission fee ($5 for adults) to enter the chapel and see the staircase.
📸 Photography Allowed
You can take photos inside the chapel, but be respectful of others and the sacred space.
🕯️ Light a Prayer Candle
Donation-based prayer candles are available for a peaceful moment of reflection.
🚶♀️ Explore the Museum
The adjacent museum offers great context about the chapel's history and the staircase legend.
🙏 Respect the Space
Remember it's a place of worship; maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Loretto Chapel for its stunning and mysterious miraculous staircase, often describing it as a beautiful and peaceful experience. The historical context provided by the museum and the serene atmosphere are also frequently highlighted as positives, making it a worthwhile stop for many.
"This was a great experience and it was very beautiful. I was originally told about the stair case which is why we came. Reminds me of some of the old stories I heard growing up. Alot of art work inside with the stained glass and the architectural building. The stair case is a gotta see if you like art. 5$ for adults. Really neat stuff"
Tacie G
"Beautiful Catholic chapel built in the late 1800s. Statues and stained-glass windows... but we came to see the Miraculous Staircase made with only wooden pegs (no nails, screws or glue... and not support). It WAS miraculous!
A tour recording played feeling the history of the chapel, and one could sit in the pews and listen. It was very peaceful. My mom and I lit a prayer candle ($1 donation and took a LOT of pictures."
Diana Singleton
"The Loretto Chapel Museum and Gift Shop is a peaceful and beautifully curated experience that goes beyond just viewing the famous staircase. The museum portion provides fascinating insight into the chapel’s history, the legend of the spiral staircase, and the Sisters of Loretto themselves. It adds depth and context to what might otherwise be just a quick visit.
The gift shop is a pleasant surprise—well-stocked, spacious, and filled with tasteful, meaningful items ranging from religious keepsakes and local artisan goods to books and unique souvenirs. It’s not your typical touristy gift shop—it has charm and quality.
Overall, this is a wonderful stop that blends history, faith, and thoughtful curation, making it a worthwhile visit even if you’ve already seen the chapel itself."
BradandJen McCleary
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Loretto Chapel is located in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico. It's easily accessible by car, and there are parking garages nearby. Many visitors also walk to it if they are staying in the downtown area.
The Loretto Chapel is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially around holidays.
Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options available near the Loretto Chapel in downtown Santa Fe. The Inn and Spa at Loretto also offers parking.
Santa Fe has a public bus system, and routes may pass near the Loretto Chapel. It's recommended to check the Santa Fe Trails website for current routes and schedules.
The Loretto Chapel is located at 213 Washington Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501. It's a central location in the historic downtown area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an admission fee for adults, typically around $5, which helps support the chapel and its preservation. Children may have a reduced fee or be free.
For general visits, advance booking is usually not required, but it's always wise to check the official Loretto Chapel website, especially during peak tourist seasons.
The Loretto Chapel is primarily a historical site and museum, not an active parish church for daily mass. Check their website for any special services or events.
While the main chapel area is generally accessible, the miraculous staircase itself has many steps and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. Inquire directly for specific accessibility details.
Admission typically includes access to the chapel to view the miraculous staircase, as well as the museum and gift shop, offering historical context.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
Legend says the chapel was built in 1878 without a way to reach the choir loft. After carpenters failed, the Sisters prayed, and a mysterious carpenter appeared, built the spiral staircase without nails or central support, and vanished. Many believe it was St. Joseph. +3
The staircase is considered miraculous due to its unique construction: a perfect spiral with no central support and no nails or glue used. Its engineering defies conventional methods for its time. +2
Visitors are generally not allowed to touch the miraculous staircase to preserve its integrity. You can get very close to admire its construction.
The chapel features beautiful stained-glass windows, historical artifacts, and an adjacent museum and gift shop that provide deeper insights into its history and the legend.
Yes, the Loretto Chapel is very photogenic, especially the staircase and the stained-glass windows. Many visitors capture stunning images.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Yes, there is a well-stocked gift shop offering tasteful religious keepsakes, local artisan goods, books, and unique souvenirs. It's considered a pleasant surprise by visitors.
The Loretto Chapel is located in downtown Santa Fe, which has a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and dining options within walking distance, catering to various tastes and budgets.
Absolutely! The gift shop is a great place to find unique souvenirs related to the chapel, its history, and the miraculous staircase.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the chapel is a place of worship, so encourage children to be respectful and quiet. The admission fee is modest, making it an affordable addition to a Santa Fe itinerary. The adjacent museum offers additional historical context that older children might find interesting. Consider it a brief but intriguing stop rather than a full-day activity.
⛪ History & Faith Enthusiasts
The accompanying museum provides in-depth information about the Sisters of Loretto and the historical context of the chapel's construction. The legend of St. Joseph's intervention is a central part of the narrative, offering a unique blend of historical fact and spiritual belief. It's a place where you can delve into stories of devotion and architectural marvels.
📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
Beyond the staircase, the chapel's architectural details, the textures of the old wood, and the overall serene atmosphere provide ample opportunities for creative shots. The museum and gift shop also offer visually interesting displays. Remember to be mindful of other visitors and the sacred nature of the space when taking photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Miraculous Staircase
Desperate, the Sisters prayed for nine consecutive days, asking for divine intervention. On the ninth day, a mysterious carpenter appeared, offering to build a staircase. He worked in seclusion and, upon completion, vanished without asking for payment. Many believe this carpenter was St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, who answered the Sisters' prayers. The staircase's design, with its two 360-degree turns, has been likened to a double helix, further adding to its mystique.
+5While the legend is captivating, the staircase is also a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship. The wood used is believed to be from an unknown source, and the joinery is so precise that it has held strong for over a century without any signs of structural compromise. Visitors are often awestruck by its beauty and the mystery surrounding its creation, making it a significant draw for tourists interested in history, faith, and unsolved mysteries.
Exploring the Loretto Chapel Beyond the Staircase
Adjacent to the chapel, visitors can find a museum and gift shop. The museum provides valuable context about the chapel's history, the story of the Sisters of Loretto, and detailed accounts of the staircase's construction and the legends surrounding it. This section adds depth to the visit, transforming it from a quick photo opportunity into a more educational and engaging experience. The gift shop is well-curated, offering tasteful religious items, local crafts, and unique souvenirs that reflect the spiritual and historical significance of the site.
Many visitors find the Loretto Chapel to be a peaceful and spiritual place. Even with the influx of tourists, the atmosphere inside the chapel remains tranquil. Lighting a prayer candle is a popular activity for those seeking a moment of reflection or to offer a prayer. The combination of historical intrigue, architectural beauty, and a serene environment makes the Loretto Chapel a memorable stop in Santa Fe.
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