Beautiful church. Friendly people and amazing church The decorations are incredible and breathtaking. The spiral staircase is gorgeous. Located in a beautiful area and ready for visitation. read more

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It cost $5 per person to enter the chapel. It's a beautiful gothic style chapel with a mysteriously built spiral staircase. If you're staying in the plaza, you can easily walk to it. I spent about 10 minutes total here. It's a nice place to take pictures, admire the staircase, and collects your thoughts. read more

It was an amazing experience. If you know the history behind it and then seeing it in person you just are in awe of it. I would recommend this for everyone to experience once in your life. read more

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Catholic Church with a rich history and interesting story. The staircase is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship as is the stained glass. Visit if you believe in miracles and light a candle for loved ones while there. read more

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

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What a lovely chapel. And the stairway is amazing. We wondered if they allowed pictures on them during weddings and were told that they do. read more

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

People only come to the Loretta Chapel for one single thing: to see the "miraculous" staircase. The staircase is very beautifully made and quite astounding that it was constructed the way it was (without any nails). The story behind the staircase is interesting in itself. However, the addition of the railing 10 years after it was completed sort of makes it lose its charm and mystery. But that certainly does not deter the hordes of eager visitors from lining up. No longer a church, it's now a complete museum with a $3.00 entrance fee. Is it worth a quick visit? I'd say so. Would I rather have my $3.00 back so I can grab two hot dogs with all the fixings from the vendor around the block? I'm inclined to say yes. read more

Seems the reviews for having a wedding here are stellar and the reviews for visiting as a tourist are sort of lack luster. This is a beautiful chapel. The famous staircase is fairly amazing. I love the history and legend behind the Loretto Chapel. Lots of fun things for folks trying their hand at artsy photography. Don't miss the rosary covered tree out front. Can't say I'm as thrilled about the complex that has grown around it almost making it seem too touristy. I know it's not technically a church any longer, but it detracts from the history a bit. But I understand that it's more for weddings now and that means you need easy and climate controlled access to amenities. It's a must see for tourists and brides-to-be. read more

The Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe is famous for its spiral staircase. Long thought to be the handiwork of St. Joseph himself for the devout nuns, it turns out that it was fashioned by a reclusive French architect. The staircase is a feat of engineering. It's one of Santa Fe's best-known sights;it even inspired a sappy,made-for-TV movie starring the man who was Grissom on "CSI" and Barbara Hershey. The Loretto Chapel no longer belongs to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. It's connected with the hotel,requires a $3 entry fee,and on Sundays it's actually home to the New Agey Church of Antioch,which invokes the Cosmic Christ and intones "Om" over the Communion elements. The Loretto Chapel is a must-see for anyone in the Land of Enchantment! read more

Just to disclose up front that I have a special place in my heart for the Loretto Chapel. I was married here in 1999 in a (now) embarrassingly elaborate wedding complete with opera singers belting out Puccini as I walked down the aisle. The acoustics were absolutely lovely, btw. To quickly sum up the story of this church - the chapel was built in the mid 1850s and has a choir loft that the original designer somehow failed to plan a staircase for. The nuns of the church prayed about it and a mysterious man appeared one day and built this amazing circular staircase completely out of wood with no nails and simple tools. (Interestingly the hand rails were not added until later) The story goes that the mysterious man disappeared without ever accepting payment. Some believe that the man was St. Joseph. Whether you believe the story or not the staircase is a wonder of design. Part of the package of having a wedding here is actually getting your photo standing *on* the staircase and let me tell you there is nothing like being scared to death that you and your brand new spouse are going to break an alleged miracle. As frightening as it was I can say that I've had a tangible experience of the amazing structural design that went into this functional work of art.. I *felt* the coil-shaped staircase compress to hold our weight. I can still remember the sensation of stepping on the stairs in my bare feet (no way was I going to get on there wearing shoes). The church itself is a gothic style which is interesting considering the more stark pueblo style predominant in the area. It is a privately owned museum now with a pretty nice hotel attached to it. It's a great church honestly and well worth the relatively cheap 3 dollar fee. read more

For the love of money is the root of all evil." 1st Timothy 6:10. I am hardly a religious person, but I think the people who decided to start charging visitors to view a CHURCH need to revisit the teachings of the Bible. This hypocrisy is raised to a whole new level when one considers the story of the Loretto Chapel's miraculous staircase: The nuns at the chapel needed a way to get to the upper level of the church and using a ladder was impractical because of the long habits they wore. A strange carpenter appeared and locked himself into the chapel for several months. He constructed the staircase alone using no screws or nails, and after he finished, left without payment or thanks. I would understand requesting donations from visitors, but charging people just for entry was distasteful. We made it to the front of the line, and after being told there was a $3 entry fee to view the church, we left without seeing the chapel. read more

Visited Santa Fe and the chapel back in May 2013. The church is quaint and the stairs are pretty, but I do not feel like my life has in any way been improved by seeing them. I was very taken aback by the $3 admission fee, especially considering how many (much cooler) places of worship around the world I've been in, all with no cost to visit. I think I managed to get a single picture without an obstruction. And of course, in good religious fashion, they parade you through the gift shop before you can leave, just in case you forgot that you had to make a "donation" to get in. If I could do my trip over again, I would not have wasted my time or money going inside the chapel. In fact, I thought the most interesting part of the place was the tree outside. read more

This chapel is a unique place with quite an amazing story behind it. The Chapel is a great sight and the staircase is incredible. To think that someone built it with their hands and some simple tools (excluding nails and screws and what not) is quite the miracle. And supposedly the man did it for free! Oh wait, why are we paying $3 to see something a man gave to the chapel for free? That is what has me confused. To insure there are no missed opportunities, upon exiting the chapel you walk into a full gift shop...ATM and all. Holy Water: for sale. 2 different versions of the Lorretto Chapel story dvd: available. Magnets, posters, pins, portraits...on and on. I loved the story behind the chapel...but all the tourism junk really taints the whole experience. read more

The Loretto Chapel is a former Roman Catholic church constructed in the 1870s. It is located at the end of the old Santa Fe trail, near the Plaza and Palace of the Governors. No longer a functioning church, it is now open to the public as a small museum and available to be rented for weddings, with an associated hotel and spa adjacent to it. Designed in the Gothic Revival architectural style, it is ornate and beautiful inside and out. But constructed for a convent, it is small, and makes for a very short visit for most. A narration of its history is played in the chapel, where you can listen as you taken in the chapel. Much ado is made about the spiral staircase leading up to the small choir loft in the back. It is not open for use by the public, but it is readily viewable. Dubbed the "Miraculous Stairway," it shows up on lists of the most famous spiral stairs in the world and is touted as an architectural wonder with a touch of divinity to its creation story (in short: an anonymous carpenter appeared after nine days of prayer, constructed the stairs without assistance nor any inkling where the wood came from, then disappeared without compensation). In such a small church, the wood staircase is jarringly out of place and of a mismatched architectural design and material, but it appears to be a beautiful work of carpentry, and one of remarkable skill. Originally made without banisters, it smoothly curves a full two rotations without use of nails or a visible central support. Shortly after its construction, banisters were added, and a support now extends to a nearby column. I've seen enough examples of ancient wood structures constructed innovatively around the world that this stair's repute seems blown out of proportion, and I don't buy into its miracle story. The $3 entry fee is debatably reasonable for a short visit to hear the church's story, see its interior, and the staircase. read more

Very cool, the only thing I have to add is the 33 steps are for the 33 years Jesus was alive. Also, the architect or builder disappeared after he built it and was never paid. Cool piece of history to view. Definitely check it out! read more

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

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This quiet little Santa Fe church provided me with a spiritual experience the tradition and history behind it is touching and sweet it's an experience that you should go and just have you deserve it and will you're in the area if you like to shop there is the Santa Fe market that's within walking distance a little trick there is valet parking for $13 at the hotel just on the other side if you don't want to mess with the parking garage is in well then I really garages the parking lot it just makes life a little bit easier read more

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Beautiful attraction in Santa Fe! Worth the $2.50 entry price to see the small Loretto Chapel (supposedly modeled after Saint-Chappelle in Paris, on a small scale). The inside is beautiful, and of course, the staircase is a true marvel. Well-worth the few minutes it will take to walk through! read more

It was so beautiful. Saw the miraculous stairway. I had been wanting to come visit for sometime now and it was worth the trip. Gift shop has lots of nice souvenirs. read more

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

Excellent place to see! Seeing the staircase was well worth the admission price. So glad that we learned about this place on Real Life Catholic on EWTN. It's close enough to Chimayó and easily we did both in the same day. I only wish it was still a Catholic Church and not a museum/ tourist attraction. I recommend this place for sure! read more

Loretto Chapel is beautiful and worth a stop if you are in the area. There is a $4 fee to get in but it was worth it to stop in and see the beautiful staircase and architecture. Take a few minutes and sit to listen to the recording playing overhead in order to hear the story. read more

The world renowned miraculous staircase of Loretto Chapel. We paid 3 dollars each to get in but well, they have to maintain it. Lighted candles and paid it too. I didn't mind that and it is really an amazing engineering/architecture of the stairs. The chapel is small so it can be claustrophobic with several people around you. Still worth it. The chapel is awesome but I put 4 stars because the fee to go in can be off putting, souvenir stores make it a tourist area and I would love it to be a solemn place of worship. But who am I to judge, it cannot be maintained by my mere words. read more

Loretto Chapel - Waiting for a miracle! - Churches Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

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If you visit Santa Fe and don't come here, you're stoopid. I mean really. I want you to stop reading this page and go take a class on how to appreciate life. A must see for all visitors. I just stood there and erased that lame banister in my mind and wondered how in the hell the thing was built. It's a work of art that must be seen. I beg you to check it out. Please. read more

A very cool chapel, and the staircase is a work of art. It costs $3 to get in, but it's worth it to see one of life's mysteries. The architecture inside is beautiful, and of course there's a gift shop with lots of religious goods. If your touring Santa Fe it's something you need to see before you go. read more

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

Nice to see, but not worth the $3.00 admission especially if you have a large group. I spent around 5 minutes here and felt it was more than enough time to see the staircase and the church. It's a pretty little church, but nothing outstanding compared to other churches. Since it is a Catholic Church, they should allow you the option to make a donation rather than have a set fee to enter. I suggest you buy a postcard or print one of the pictures off of this page in case you want a picture of the staircase without all the tourists in it, but as I said, nothing special here. read more

The staircase is really cool, but the speech about it being pumped in to the church via speaker is pretty cheesy. I understand why it's blocked off, but I was also annoyed that I couldn't get closer to take some more detailed or angled photos. But fear not. The chapel exit is through the inevitable gift shop. It's about twice as big as the chapel itself, and has everything stair/chapel/God related you could ever want. I'm a sucker for offbeat roadside attractions, so I'm glad I went. read more

Our second time to visit the chapel to see the Staircase in person. The mere $3 fee to get in is Not a "tourist trap" as another reviewer mentioned. I get goose bumps just thinking about the fascinating story of the Sisters of Loretto's answer to their prayers for a staircase to the choir loft. Be sure to look up the story behind the Miraculous Staircase.I believe this is one site that you Must See in person, even if there may be many other people (just like yourself) who also came to see & photograph this beautiful spiral staircase and chapel. Also a very nice Gift shop with many inspirational gifts and memorabilia.Well Worth Both your Time & $. read more

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

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Blown away by this chapel. If I weren't already married and were getting married and lived anywhere NEAR Santa Fe I would get married in this chapel. It's THAT beautiful and amazing. They charge $3 to get in and it's totally worth it. WAY better than St. Francis Cathedral, in my opinion. The big attraction here is the staircase which was built with no nails or screws or glue. What they don't tell you is that this staircase spirals for two complete 360 degree turns and had absolutely no handrails. I have no freaking idea how this mysterious carperter did this. That also adds to the drama. The nuns apparently needed a staircase to get up to the choral loft but didn't have room for a regular staircase or money to pay a carpenter. On the 9th day of their novena a mysterious carpenter showed up, built the staircase in 6-8 months and then left without a trace and without taking payment for his work. He used square wooden pegs to hold everything together (which means he had to carve out the hole for the pegs) and horsehair plaster for the underneath (which was later tinted the color of wood). He used hot boiling water to get his pieces of wood to bend and curve the way he wanted them to. Unbelievable. They have since added railings but there is a photo of the original staircase. The walls, the windows, the altar...everything about this church is truly awe inspiring. I could have sat in there for an hour just marveling at it. Truly one of the more beautiful churches/chapels I've seen. It's small, but has a giant impact. It's a MUST SEE!!!! read more

The chapel is pretty small borderline stuffy but the chapel is beautiful and that famous staircase is truly something to behold!

Came here to see the Miraculous Staircase. Worth the small fee it takes to get in. Plus, I believe the proceeds go to help the Nuns which is nice. Recommend for both those religious and non-religious. Was a little underwhelmed with the size. For some reason, thought it would be larger. read more

I've been to some really cool churches through the years, and this one is right up there with all of them. To be honest, for the tourist like me, there's really nothing to see at this chapel other than the miracle staircase, but that's more than enough of a reason to check out this carpentry wonder. Basically, you have a high spiral staircase constructed without the use of nails that goes from the ground floor of the church to the balcony. The story says an unknown carpenter agreed to the project, and just left without payment from the nuns. Who knows, and the original staircase was railling-less, which freaked the nuns out something horrible. So the nuns asked another carpenter to come in and construct the railing, again without nails. A work of art and wonder, and fittingly in a town where art is so incredibly on display. read more

So very beautiful. You just can't imagine how wonderful this church is....the stairs are impressive. Only $3 to get in...and that is a donation. Wonderful place of worship. Don't forget your camera, photos are allowed. Located about a block from the Plaza. Gift shop right in the church has a great selection of keepsakes. Loved everything. So impressive. The gift shop was very reasonable on pricing. Pictures are a MUST. You can even get married in this beautiful chapel. They have weddings here all the time. Wow! My fiance and I wanna get married here now! Sorry St. Thomas! ;-) Enjoyed our very spiritual visit. read more

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First off, there is a $3 charge to get into the chapel and view the staircase. Secondly, the woman at the front desk was not very friendly. The staircase is beautiful, and the chapel itself has some nice stained glass windows, but you can view similar (if not better) stained glass windows at the St. Francis Church nearby for free. This place seems to be somewhat of a tourist trap, as you end up spending five minutes viewing the staircase and trying to get pictures of it without tourists in the way. It is not worth the $3 to get in. I'd recommend looking at pictures of the staircase on line and visiting the St. Francis Church. read more

The Loretto Chapel is the place to go when visiting Santa Fe. Wonderful, tall narrow church, with a great history, and Catholic sculptures. Yes, the staircase is unique, and I think the carpenter was a genius. It is so good that the people of Santa Fe chose to retain this church instead of having it knocked down. We can all enjoy wonderful moments there now. Thank you, Santa Fe! read more

Cool thing to see. The wonderfully sweet and funny man taking our $2.50 was wearing an oxygen tank, but this didn't slow down our witty banter. Being polite though, I replied in kind when at 5pm he greeted us from his seat with "Good Morning." Maybe he was teasing? We were repeatedly reassured that we could take as many photos as we liked. The spiral stairway is 22 feet high, has no center support and was assembled with wooden pegs instead of nails. It has 33 steps and makes two complete 360 degree turns. Between 1878 and 1887 there were no bannisters! This was dangerous, so the Sisters requested bannisters, made by Phillip August Hesch. Go here, it's quick, interesting to see as you meander through Santa Fe. read more

Visiting today with my family when we got to the cashier to pay for admission. He was very rude. I accidentally counted a child as an adult and went to correct the count of people and I was rudely responded with "well you really need to get your stuff together before you come up here" and continued to be very rude slam the sign on the counter as if we couldn't see it. This made the whole experience very unpleasant visit. I walked out along with other customers as they saw the way he treated our family. read more

This chapel is lovely. It wasn't overly crowded so we sat and took in the ceiling and stained glass. The staircase is a wonder. Remember this isn't a jump up and down entertain u kind of site. It's an introspective quiet kind of place to appreciate simplicity, quiet, beauty and prayer. Besides it's so cheap esp for the beauty you get to experience. I was moved and felt God there. read more

This was AMAZING!! I loved the cathedral and the staircase was beyond words. If you are a history buff or a spiritual person this is a must see. read more

Loretto Chapel - The mysterious staircase - Churches Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

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Definitely a must see in Santa Fe! The story behind the staircase is amazing, but until you see it in person it's hard to understand just how beautiful this Chapel is. The second I walked through the door I had goosebumps and I was moved to tears. The statues, the stained glass and of course, the staircase were so beautiful. I am so glad I went! read more

Must see during your visit to Santa Fe. Admission is reasonable with a great story being told and pictures are allowed. Beautiful gift shop and restaurant are adjacent. The property is being cared for with great love. It was enchanting and inspirational. read more

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It's $3 and worth every penny. This is a piece of history and something equivalent to what I've seen in Europe. I was surprised to learn that Santa Fe was the home to the Loretto Chapel and had heard about the miraculous staircase before. Going into Santa Fe, I didn't realize that everything is walking distance and practically on top of each other, so it was nice to go from church to church just steps away from the last. The Loretto Chapel was one of them. Interestingly enough, this is privately owned and the family purchased it in order to make sure it stayed standing. I'm so happy they did! The staircase itself is truly a work of art and it was amazing to see how it truly doesn't have anything holding it up. In addition, the quaint church mirrors churches in Europe and the history was very apparent. I'm so happy I took the time to visit and I encourage everyone else to do the same. read more

Beautiful chapel with miraculous staircase. I was intrigued by the beauty, he was intrigued by how it was done. Definitely worth $3 and 5-15 minutes of your time. read more