Checked out Loretto Chapel because of the mysterious spiral staircase. They charge an entrance fee $4pp, I think it's pretty high to see a church, but they use it for maintenance, etc. We spent about 10-15 minutes to look around and take some pics. There's a small gift shop too. Worth a visit to see the spiral staircase. read more

The formerly consecrated Loretto Chapel and it's famous stairs, are well worth the trip when you are in Santa Fe! The history of the stairs are incredible. Like me, if you have ever tried to build or fix something around the house, there comes a point where in spite (or is it despite?) our best laid plans... things go awry. Well, that same thing happened to the builders of this Chapel. As the built, they found there was no room left for the stairs leading up to the Choir area. Wow, I am so glad someone else did something like this. D'oh!!! According to the website: "The staircase has two 360 degree turns and no visible means of support. Also, it is said that the staircase was built without nails--only wooden pegs. Questions also surround the number of stair risers relative to the height of the choir loft and about the types of wood and other materials used in the stairway's construction. "The Loretto Academy was closed in 1968, and the property was put up for sale. At the time of sale in 1971, Our Lady of Light Chapel was deconsecrated and is now a "private museum operated and maintained, in part, for the preservation of the staircase and the Chapel itself." It's worth the couple of bucks to visit someone else's mistake. Think about it. For more information: http://www.lorettochapel.com/staircase.html Enjoy! read more

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The staircase mystery.... They were made without the use of nails or apparent center support. Chapel is beautiful but I admired an impressive work of carpentry more. Handrails were added later, just imagine how scary could it be without them. It's museum and wedding chapel. I cannot remember how much they charged but I seemed to remember getting $5 bill, then don't remember what happened after as I didn't keep the receipt. They play history in the background, I sat there and listened to the history of this chapel while admiring the staircase. I saw several pictures of the wedding held here. All the brides looked so beautiful posed on the staircase. Staircase was closed to public, I guess they make it available only for photo shooting for wedding couple? The way the dress curved and staircase created very attractive image. Gift shop is attached to the museum/chapel, selling lots of angel stuff. Oh I wish I could climb this staircase. read more

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Our tour guide Victoria was awesome. She made our visit special through her obvious passion for what she does. She truly cares about sharing the story and space with visitors embodying an energy that is contagious. This place is sacred. The beauty and history of this enchanted chapel were luckily preserved (when the Catholic Church could no longer afford to keep it up,) due in large part to the miracle that still stands inside its doors. It is a must see on your visit to Santa Fe. See the staircase, still in the quiet for a few minutes to reflect, let the peaceful energy of this place renew you. You can afford $5 to see a miracle and to help preserve this precious treasure. read more

Loretto Chapel - Our tour guide Victoria has a heart for this sacred space! - Churches Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

A must see stop in Santa Fe. Stop in to see the staircase, pay $3, stock up on your Winchester/Supernatural supplies (holy water, rosaries, what-have-you). It's a cute, quaint, tourist attraction. read more

This place is gorgeous! The wooden staircase needs to be studied with how immaculate it is! Was attending a wedding here, and the backdrop of the stained glass was to die for. Great historic site to visit, if you are in the Sante Fe area. read more

Loretto Chapel - My lil' Lego Robot follows me everywhere! This place is beautiful! - Churches Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Beautiful venue for a wedding. Warm and cozy. Staircase is stunning. Architecture was unbelievable and I hope we can go.back.

We've visited the beautiful and historical Loretto Chapel many times over the years and we couldn't leave Santa Fe without a visit this time. The Chapel is just outside of The Inn and Spa at Loretto hotel. First, here's a little history regarding Loretto Chapel from their website.... "When the Loretto Chapel was completed in 1878, there was no way to access the choir loft twenty-two feet above. Carpenters were called in to address the problem, but they all concluded access to the loft would have to be via ladder as a staircase would interfere with the interior space of the small Chapel. Legend says that to find a solution to the seating problem, the Sisters of the Chapel made a novena to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. On the ninth and final day of prayer, a man appeared at the Chapel with a donkey and a toolbox looking for work. Months later, the elegant circular staircase was completed, and the carpenter disappeared without pay or thanks. After searching for the man (an ad even ran in the local newspaper) and finding no trace of him, some concluded that he was St. Joseph himself, having come in answer to the sisters' prayers. The stairway's carpenter, whoever he was, built a magnificent structure. The design was innovative for the time and some of the design considerations still perplex experts today." https://www.lorettochapel.com/staircase.html This is why so many people travel far and wide to see the historic miraculous staircase. It's nice to sit in the pews of this lovely little chapel and say a prayer and take in all of it's beauty. Funny tidbit ...while we were there, several other people were reading about the staircase, praying and listening to a tape explaining about the Chapel and the Staircase...all of the sudden a woman bolts from the back of the Chapel and grabs a bag she left in one of the front pews....Whaaat??? The bag enclosed a little teacup Yorkie who had started barking and the woman had smuggled him in via a "vented purse like" bag. He was sick of it and was letting everyone know about it. LOL. I don't know where she scooted off to but, she / he was back a few minutes later...I guess he got a good talking to..."don't be barking in church!" =D read more

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Change up your Art Tour of Santa Fee... Stop here, take a load off your feet and listen to a wonderful story! The story is filled with faith, intrigue, love and mystery. Wonderful! I think it's about 30 minutes. It's on a constant repeat so if you get there and it seems like you missed something... just hang around... it starts up again. The church is quaint, intimate, peaceful and beautiful inside. Like everyone else has said.. the main attraction - The Staircase - is amazing! read more

Loretto Chapel - Miraculous Staircase - Churches Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

The church was small and very beautiful. The selling point seems to be the Miraculous Staircase, which admittedly was pretty great, but the rest of the decor was more impressive to me. It's worth seeing if you get the chance. My problem is the marketing of this church. It cost $3 per person to get in, then you can pay an extra $1 to light a candle at the front, then there is an attached gift shop you have to exit through that sells a lot of overpriced religious items. For example, for a mere $3.50 you can buy an ounce of "holy water." The church was really nice, but I kept waiting for Jesus to storm in and turn over all the tables. read more

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Former Roman Catholic church now museum. Built in 1878 & Gothic style by Antoine and Projectus Mouly from Paris. Stellar helix-shaped spiral staircase (the "Miraculous Stair"). The name and origin of the builder have still not been verified. THE CHAPEL, CHURCH & STAIRCASE ARE AMAZINGLY BUILT AND MIND BLOWING TO SEE UP CLOSE! Light a candle in this very spiritual place, it's a MUST visit in the City of Holy Faith!! read more

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This is a cool historic site, with a staircase with a neat story about the answered nuns' prayer. They were in need of a staircase for the choir loft in a small space, and an anonymous carpenter appeared and built it. It has a unique with a unique design and no support. Unfortunately later the handrail was added, as was one support due to excessive traffic in the area. They have an audio story that plays every 10 minutes or so that lasts about 5 minutes (estimates). My only qualm is that it's $5 for an adult and $4 for kid/senior. I think the money goes to the nunnery. Personally I think a freewill donation makes more sense since it's a church, after all. read more

It was worth seeing the staircase but the Chapel was crowded with tourists taking selfies spilling into a big gift shop. The $5 admission fee really made it feel touristy too. Was expecting something a little more reverent and spiritual. If you want a more spiritual experience, the Cathedral was great. But seeing the staircase was nice. read more

Stairway to Heaven! The Loretto Chapel is worth a quick visit. It's right off the Plaza of Santa Fe, and there's interesting shops all between the two. It's an old church that has a cool history behind the staircase inside. The previous staircase had rotted away with heavy use by nuns and priests going up to the choir loft. The church didn't have the money to repair it, and the dilapidated staircase was hindering their pious ways. So they prayed about it. One dark and stormy night, a man came by asking for a place to stay, and said that he'd build them a new staircase in exchange for a place to stay and some food. They took pity on the guy, and took him up on his offer, and let him get to work. He finished the staircase in no time, and didn't even use a single nail! It's an amazing staircase that defies gravity, with amazing workmanship. The church attempted to pay the mysterious carpenter, but he was gone before they could offer him any payment, leaving as mysteriously as he arrived. It was a miracle! It took a team of engineers to figure out how he put it together, and there isn't another staircase like it in the world. It's not exactly contemplative hanging out in here, since they have a repeated recorded history of the church and staircase instead of some church hymns or something. Be sure to check out the marble-looking altar and the Stations of the Cross along the wall. Those stations are from Italy. The pews are rarely full, and you can hang out in the indoors as long as you wanna. It's a nice chapel, where people get married and have events, but I don't think it's a true functioning church anymore. It doesn't seem that they have regular mass like a real church, and they charge admission. I've only been to one other church that has the gall to charge a fee to get enter a holy church and seek salvation. The cost isn't high. But the carpenter didn't accept payment, seems like they shouldn't either. But they take your cash. You gotta exit through the gift shop, where they sell New Mexican-esque religious items to commemorate your trip. They don't let you climb the stairs. read more

Loretto Chapel really is a must-see in Santa Fe. It is gorgeous with its 1870's workmanship. The spiral staircase is, of course, the star, and did not disappoint. The entire effect of the interior of the chapel is breathtaking. Visitors were very respectful of the space, keeping mostly silent and maintaining quiet as they observed, knelt, lit candles, etc. Unfortunately the gentleman manning the ticket desk spoiled the quiet of the experience. He was talking/laughing nonstop in a very loud voice just feet away from the chapel. It was even difficult to hear the informational audio due to his volume. read more

The most interesting thing about this chapel is the miraculous staircase. It was originally built with no railings, no nails and no power tools. I think it's a must see in Santa Fe with only a $5 entrance fee. A peaceful place to go and reflect on your thoughts. The visitor guides are knowledgeable and helpful. read more

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I returned to the Loretto chapel in September and the wonder is still there. Plus I love the spiritual background story of the spiral staircase. It does cost a modest amount to enter, but it probably takes more than the gift shop to keep up the facility. Actually, another money maker seems to be weddings. You normally can't stand or walk on the staircase, but if special events such as Holy Matrimony allows a very nice opportunity with photos. Inquire within. read more

Having been to the Loretto Chapel as a ten year old boy, when I had the opportunity to visit during an overnight stay in Santa Fe, I couldn't resist. The $5 admission fee is well worth it as along as you understand that this is more a museum than a chapel. The staircase is the most famous feature of the chapel. I learned that when originally built, there was no railing. Yikes. Its 22 feet from bottom to top, and apparently some acrophobic Sisters asked for the railing to be installed some time later. Most remarkable is that the staircase has no center support, and was built with no nails or power tools. Just hand tools and wooden legs. The altar area is beautiful. If you're expecting a sublime spiritual experience, you will likely be disappointed because of the touristy nature of the facility. read more

Loretto Chapel - This is the famous staircase. It's an amazing thing to see. I learned that when originally built, it had no railing. - Churches Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

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You don't have to be religious to appreciate a good story ... or at least good architecture and engineering. During business hours, pay a $3 admission and get an up-close look at the mysterious spiral staircase - the mystery being the identity of the unnamed builder and the other mystery being the physics behind its construction. You can also admire the ornate church interior and purchase religious souvenirs from the shop. I brought home some holy water and beautiful rosaries. And apparently they do weddings and events. read more

I've heard about Loretto Chapel for years. Miracle or no miracle this is certainly an engineering marvel. I can imagine how the original stairwell looked like a path to heaven without the banisters. What a steep, narrow climb! But for the age of the stairs and the lore behind the their handiwork, this really is an amazing feat. The rest of the church is sunny and has a very happy setting. Despite it's gothic architecture, it shies away from dark and grey and actually brings in a lot of white, pastel, and light. read more

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Another stop on the road trip to Chicago, it wouldn't have been a proper journey without stopping at the Loretto Chapel's miracle staircase in Santa Fe, New Mexico. My uncle Ray and Aunt Lillie had stopped here once before and explained their amazing visit to everyone upon their return. You cannot really understand its beauty without seeing it in person. Lillie had felt that being close to such a miracle would bring her comfort and calm. In viewing such a thing can help you feel closer to God in some way. This amazing staircase was built by an unknown traveler that became an answer to a novena of the Sisters of Loretto. The central spiral of the staircase is narrow enough to serve as a central beam; instead of metal nails the staircase was constructed using dowels or wooden pegs. The wood for the staircase cannot be found anywhere in the region. The stairs had 33 steps, the age of Jesus when he died. There is a sweet little gift shop where you can pickup religious items or a commemorative coin. While my stop here last only an hour, it is something I will never forget. read more

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Interesting place - worth a visit if your in Santa Fe. You're told a mysterious story about someone building the spiral staircase - loved looking at the construction details. It's a beautiful church that exemplifies the architectural of the Spanish period. Afterwards head to the trading post and check out the locally crafted Native American goods. read more

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Loretto Chapel is one place you wouldn't want to miss when you are in Santa Fe, NM. The miraculous stairs are so beautiful. You would just sit and look at the craftsmanship and wonder how can anyone do this. The only downfall is that there is no parking that's why you have to look for any surrounding public parking structure, I am so blessed that I came here exactly on my birthday and witness this amazing structure. I would highly recommend for anyone to see this stairs, read more

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Clearly this is a place to visit if you are a tourist in the Land of Enchantment. The history of this little chapel is one of the most fascinating in the City Different. And if you are not a tourist? Then, do as I did several years ago, attend a small local wedding in the chapel. Intimate and cozy for a small family gathering. Incredible backdrop for this life-altering event. Although fascinating in its own right - the Chapel was built as a Gothic religious structure (fashioned after a chapel in Paris) - in a land of adobe & vigas - the most interesting thing about this Chapel is the MIRACULOUS STAIRCASE. Legend has it that when the Chapel was built in 1870 the balcony was too high for a conventional staircase in such a small structure. The Sisters of Loretto prayed for an answer - their prayers were answered by a carpenter who arrived by donkey and built a circular staircase with no center support, no nails, nor any side supports. It makes two full 360 degree turns and has 33 steps - - which supposedly represent the 33 years of Jesus' life. The carpenter disappeared after it was completed - - without payment. This Chapel and the Staircase were once part of a campus housing a Catholic Girls' School and a cemetery. Today it is on the grounds of a large beautiful hotel - The Inn at Loretto. Just one block off the famous Plaza in the center of town, it is well worth a visit. Another strong piece of architectural history in the Land of Enchantment - - - - no matter who, or why it was built. read more

I heard about this church on the radio. I was very intrigued to see the staircase. I was not disappointed. The staircase is marvelous. My biggest disappointment came from the people charging $4 entrance per person. I mean, it's not a big amount of money. My question is why do they have to make a profit out of faith? Even to light up a candle you have to pay. If Jesus could see this he would feel so disappointed by these people's actions. read more

Does this amazing place need a review?? It's 100% worth visiting. $4 to get in, yes they take cards! Take some cash to light a candle ($1) Make sure to listen to or read the history! Grab some holy water on the way out. read more

A small, beautiful chapel in Old Town which is famous for its Miraculous Staircase. Definitely a must see. It's silly to have to pay the $3 admission, but just think of it as a donation to the church. read more

I'd heard about this spot for many years and it was great to actually see it in person. While I am not an architect, this was a pretty fascinating piece to see. Considering its origins are still a mystery, it makes for a great visit. Well worth the $3 cost to see the staircase! read more

Such a beautiful and spiritual place! A must do if you are in Santa Fe. I was moved by the chapel and the miraculous place to visit. Please look up the story before you visit! The staircase is an engineering wonder! read more

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Just a fabulous place to take a break and take in the Chapel. There are 14 pictures of the Crucifixion. Spiritual. They have some old guy at the ticket counter who must have an inside person to give him a job. He tried to rip us off. Gave him $ 20 bill for one Senior and one Adult. He did not give any money back. When asked, he said "I will have to trust you". No telling if he pockets $ 20/day for himself. He returned $ 10 instead of $ 11. I guess it is hard to get young help now a days. read more

The staircase is pretty interesting and a must see in this tiny chapel. They've added handrails around it but have a picture of what the original would look like. Bring cash with you, entrance is $4 and the man at the entrance didn't seem too happy to take a card (I didn't have cash :-/). They do take card though. They have a recording playing continuously about the history of the staircase which is cool because then you don't need to ask! read more

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This is a must see in Santa Fe. Regardless of what you believe about the stair case, it is a remarkable feat of carpentry and beautiful to look at. I only wish that they would move the rope farther away as 'do not touch' doesn't seem to be understood by people. It is upsetting to see something so incredible touched repeatedly by people as it jeopardizes future generations from experiencing this. read more

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Some things should be left the way they began...free! Very commercial today...they charge you to go in and see the staircase...not like the 1980's when it was "original" and FREE...grab a bite at The French Cafe...well worth the stop...nearby. read more

Loretto Chapel - Loretto - Churches Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

The famous Loretto Chapel staircase...I haven't been since I was a kid for a field trip. This place is absolutely worth a visit, even if it does cost $3 to get in. There are tons of great pictures to take here so we made sure to stay as long as we needed. The stained glass is amazing, all the sculptures, paintings and decor is really cool to see. The famous staircase is of course blocked off for safety reasons. BTW, if you are not aware, it is said that this staircase was built without and nails or screws. I can't remember the entire story, but quite an amazing feat. Great tourist stop! read more

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The Loretto Chapel is a beautiful work of art. Yes it's small, but the inside is so charming that you'll want to sit there and just take it in before you even notice what the whole thing is famous for, its "miraculous" staircase. It's definitely worth it to pop in and take a look, but for the $3 entry fee, I was really hoping to be able to climb the stairs to the top. Hell, if they let anyone (and I mean anyone) climb the spiral staircase of Sainte Chapelle or Notre Dame de Paris, why should Loretto be an exception? Well, I suppose it's worth it to preserve the stairs, but in that case, they shouldn't really charge an entry fee. Despite the restrictions, it's a "must-see" sight in Santa Fe, so if you're in the mood to look at an interesting architectural phenomenon, you'll appreciate the Loretto Chapel! read more

Loretto Chapel - Loretto Chapel, March 2009 - Churches Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Amazing magic stair case with a super amazing history behind it! Well maintained and taken care by the staff. The souvenirs sold in the Chapel store are double the price when compared to the same items outside anywhere in Santa Fe. This has to be fixed.. read more

This is a lovely chapel and worth a few dollars and a quick visit. The Spiral Staircase is amazing. We lit candles and attempted to sit quietly, however there are folks taking pictures and a recording describing the chapel, which I found a annoying, as I wanted to enjoy the chapel as a chapel, not an attraction. But overall beautiful place, give it a look if you are in Santa Fe. read more

As others have said, this is not a church, but a tourist trap. A church charging admissions? Yep. Admission to see the staircase is $5.00 a person... not much, but save the money and look at the pictures online. The gift shop attached is over-priced. Glad I passed on a silver cross because I was able to find a more beautiful silver and turquoise cross hand-made by one of the Indian tribes. read more

Felt like a big tourist trap. It was odd coming to a church that you had to pay to get into just to see the famous staircase. It just didn't feel like a genuine place of worship. Then, to get out, you have to go through this huge gift shop. All in all, felt super commercialized and not worth our time. As others have mentioned, I'd also recommend just going down the street instead to the San Miguel Church - the oldest church in the US, that's not only free but shared so much rich history and information in the church. read more

Holy hell. Where does one start? It's $5 (cash or credit) to enter the chapel. Loretto chapel itself is a gothic architectural beauty, no doubt. The famous staircase is indeed beautiful to behold. Paid $1 to light a candle - which I did, feeling sentimental about my mother's recent passing. The problem arises upon leaving the chapel, where you enter into the huge gift shop. Huge. The entire Loretto chapel could fit into the gift shop easily. Rosaries are $24-$360... seriously? Holy Water is sold in two sizes... seriously. Various patron saints are sold in every variety and capacity you can think of. Here's the deal: you don't need any of those 'icons' to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. You don't need any special prayers, any special intercession by a priest (read the book of Hebrews in the Bible), any special necklace to talk to God. PERIOD. Martin Luther would be having cows if he were alive to witness the utter sham the Catholic Church has made out of the Gospel. read more