Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe - The miraculous staircase
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Located at the end of the Old Santa Fe Trail , the Loretto Chapel was constructed in 1878
for the Academy of Our Lady of Light. With its Gothic revival style, the chapel was a
departure from the adobe buildings of Santa Fe.
Loretto Chapel is best known for its "miraculous" spiral staircase. When the chapel was constructed,
the choir loft 22 feet above was inaccessible. The building was too small for a standard
staircase, and a ladder would be dangerous.
The Sisters of Loretto prayed to St. Joseph for help. A stranger soon arrived on a donkey.
He promised to build a staircase, but needed complete privacy. He locked himself in the
chapel for three months, then disappeared without pay. He left behind a beautifully
constructed spiral staircase built without nails or visible means of support. Some design
elements of the staircase still baffle experts today.
The Loretto Chapel is now privately owned and opened to the public for tours.
When visiting Santa Fe, be sure to visit the Loretto Chapel.
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