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    Loretto Chapel

    4.0 (166 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Loretto Chapel Photos

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    The sign provides information about the Miraculous Staircase at Loretto Chapel, including admission fee, quiet request, and restrictions on food and drinks.
    Doreen T.

    One of our sightseeing stops in downtown Santa Fe was this charming chapel, where the $5 admission helps support its upkeep. We originally ducked in to wait out the rain but ended up enjoying the visit. The beautiful stained glass and the famous "miraculous" spiral staircase were fascinating to see in person. There's also a continuous audio recording that tells the story behind the chapel and how the staircase was built. A short but memorable stop.

    Eileen B.

    This is beautiful and for 5 dollar you can go inside and see the twisted stairs There is a gift shop with so many cute and spiritual gifts

    Ericka S.

    Beautiful! We were taking part in an audio walking tour and this was one of the stops. It was of course also recommended by friends and other travelers for the staircase. There's a $5 fee to enter which goes to upkeep of the chapel. Once we entered, I was blown away. The altar and everything around it were gorgeous! The staircase is also really neat. They have a recording playing on a loop that gives the history of the chapel and the stairs, and it was nice to sit in the pews and listen to it for a bit. While we didn't spend a bunch of time here, it was a stop we are glad that we made!

    Entrance
    Natasha A.

    This historic chapel is now a museum, the admission was $10. Small but beautiful and mighty chapel, known for its uniquely built spiral staircase design. Info is shared on a PA speaker.

    Van D.

    If you're hitting the historic plaza in Santa Fe, make time to visit the Loretto Chapel to see the "miraculous staircase" for yourself. The craftsmanship and construction details are phenomenal -- no matter how long you stare at it, it's hard to fathom how it was built.

    Adele L.

    Very small and just the staircase. Nothing else to see. If you see my photos, you've seen everything of it. $5 for 5 mins tour.

    Beautiful handcrafted staircase
    Israel G.

    The chapel is now known more as a tourist attraction because of what many consider a kind of miracle: a staircase that humbles master craftsmen today because it was made without power or fancy tools. The staircase was made for people to sing praises to God. This was its purpose and I find this to be a greater miracle: not that we have a made a staircase to a loft but more so that we sing because God became flesh and came down to us to show us that worship is based on His love.

    Jim N.

    For those who follow me here, I have a passion for churches... the Loretta Chapel in Santa Fe is small, but breathtaking. The centerpiece is the 2 story staircase that was built (by us of the faith) by St. Joseph in response to the prayers of the nuns in residence at the chapel in the 1870s. The builder of the chapel died before the stairs to the choir loft were built. Without funds, the nuns prayed a novena to St. Joseph. On the 9th day of the prayer, a stranger showed up with minimal tools, built the staircase, and disappeared. Modern engineers cannot explain how the spiral staircase exists without any visible means of support. Many to this day believe this was a miracle! The staircase is amazing, and all who see it feel there is something special about it! It's primarily a special event venue now. It costs a few bucks to get in, and the exit takes you through the gift shop! LOL It's well worth the 30 minutes it takes to tour the chapel. Highly recommend the Loretta Chapel!

    Entrance
    Jamie S.

    This is a must-see in Santa Fe. Not only is it beautiful, but the spiral staircase is such a cool story. It's super neat to look at. And it's only $5 to get in. I'd definitely check it out for an up close look at the unsolved mystery of the staircase.

    6/26/2024
    Jenni M.

    On June 26, 2024, I took my young daughters to Loretto Chapel. I paid $11 cash for the three of us to self-tour. Construction of the Chapel began in 1873. The gothic-style architecture should remind you a bit of France... namely, the Sainte Chapelle in Paris which I unfortunately have only seen in photographs. The Loretto architect died before completing this strange structure set in the usual adobe-style Southwest. So the Sisters of Loretto, who founded the all-girls school here, prayed long and hard (9 days which is referred to as a "novena") to St. Joseph (Patron Saint of Carpenters). You can guess - especially if you glanced at my photo first - a mysterious carpenter eventually arrived to build the staircase only to then leave without anyone knowing who he really was. (I find this to be the most miraculous aspect!) This story and other key details about the chapel are narrated through speakers near the left-side aisles. Certain areas, including the staircase, are blocked off. Have a seat on a wooden bench. Sit back. Listen to the narration available only in English & admire the beauty surrounding you. Before exiting through the gift shop, check out the miniature replica of the staircase--it's just as impressive! And what makes this staircase evermore "miraculous?" Just that it "has two complete 360 degree turns with no center pole for structural support. The entire weight of the staircase rests on the bottom stair." I concur with others' sentiments that I wish the banisters and the two small brackets had never been added. Recommended as a stop when in historic Downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico, which is near the Plaza. Go there too!

    A wooden spiral staircase with black metal balusters is situated inside a historic building, featuring stained glass windows and stone walls.
    Lucy H.

    You MUST go see! So peaceful and restful. The stars are of course amazing, but the stain glass windows and altar are as well! Admission is $5.00. Gift shop is reasonably priced and has good variety. Candles are available for lighting and praying.

    Kate C.

    Beautiful chapel with a place to light candles for loved ones. The staircase is magical. Lovely stop in Santa Fe.

    The Miraculous Staircase.
    Tim M.

    A must see if you are in Santa Fe. The Miraculous Staircase is quite magnificent. The Chapel is beautiful; construction of the chapel began in 1873. For any 1st time Santa Fe visitors I recomend you visit the Lorreto Chapel before doing anything else. Open every day except Christmas from 930am-430pm admission ranges from 3-5 dollars per person children 7 and under are free.

    08.14.23

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    Place is too cramped. There was no crowd control at all. I feel sorry for the chapel!

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    Ask the Community - Loretto Chapel

    Is the Loretto Chapel still open for visitors despite the ongoing COVID-19 situation affecting the whole country ? We are in Albuquerque for a stopover and would really like to visit. Please advise.

    YES! It's open and wonderful. You get a great feeling of inner peace when you visit this miraculous Holy Chapel. We just returned yesterday (8/21/2023) after spending 2 days there and the city of Santa Fe is lovely this time of year. there's so… Read more

    Are visitors allowed to ascend the spiral staircase?

    No they won't allow you to do so.

    There is a staircase above the choir loft (not the spiral staircase). What is at the top of that set of stairs?

    The Choir Loft

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Loretto Chapel

    On the 9th day of the prayer, a stranger showed up with minimal tools, built the staircase, and disappeared.

    Mentioned in 87 reviews

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    Loretto Chapel - churches - Updated May 2026

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