I am a complete sucker for roadside attractions, oddities and little museums. Such explorations help you really get to know the culture of the area you're touring. This chapel just off the Plaza did not disappoint! Out of curiosity, I read a couple of the other reviews before I began writing about my own experience. It's a chapel, so I wasn't expecting the tour I had at the Vatican. It's small and quaint, which is reflective of most religious edifices in the West built in the mid-1800s. The story of the stranger, the staircase and the miracle is fascinating. Whether you are a believer or not, the spiral structure is a delightful marvel. The detail and craftsmanship of the room itself are inspiring for anyone interested in architecture. It just glows and feels sacred. The cover is $5, which is nothing. I'd trade a burger for another trip through those doors. read more

See all

This chapel charges a fee to enter, most likely because of the staircase. The chapel was overcrowded with people who weren't being very respectful and there was an automated message over the loudspeaker, which made it feel like this beautiful chapel was now a tourist trap. The staircase was pretty, but it wasn't anything to marvel at for longer than a few seconds. The only "neat" thing about it was that it was modeled after St. Etienne in Paris, which I have been to and loved. NOTE: They do have a great giftshop! read more

See all

I loved attending the Loretto Chapel because of its rich history and seeing the architecture up close is a sight to see. There was a $5 admission fee but it was worth it. The church and gift shop was smaller than what I thought but I enjoyed my time here. read more

See all

Such a beautiful place to visit. Such history and it is preserved so well. It was nice to sit in the chapel, light candles and see the beauty in there. They have a gift shop with reasonably priced, beautiful things to buy. My daughter and I will never forget this experience. read more

See all

Wow this is an easy 5 star, I could spend a whole morning here Will comeback next year! read more

Loretto Chapel - Spiral staircase without center support - Churches Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

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. read more

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

See all

A catholic chapel built in the late 1873, commissioned by the Sisters of Loretto as a private school for the girls. It mirrored Paris' the Sainte-Chappelle. The 33 steps "Miraculous Stairway" is most famous. Made carpenter's wood, without center support, resting entirely on its final tread. Legend had it, nearing completion, they realized that they had no access to the upper floor. So the sisters prayed a nine day novena to their patron Saint Joseph. A carpenter came, with a carpenters square, a saw and a hammer. The chapel is small but the gift shop is of equal size. read more

See all

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 read more

See all

Amazing staircase with its history of an unknown source of wood and the carpenter Truly an experience. read more

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! read more

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

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. read more

See all

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. read more

See all

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. read more

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

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. read more

See all

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! read more

See all

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. read more

See all

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! read more

See all

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. read more

See all

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

See all

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. read more

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

See all

The Loretto Chapel was an interesting stop, but nothing to write home about. Rather than having people pay admission, they should have a donation jar. Especially since they are more than likely already making money from the gift shop. The church is no doubt beautiful, and the staircase is wonderous, but I didn't like how they added railings to the stairs. It takes away from the actual mystery of them and what was originally there. read more

See all

If you're a fan of architecture and/or unexplained phenomena, this is a must-stop in Santa Fe for you! This beautiful chapel, with its mysterious spiral staircase (supposedly built by an unknown carpenter who disappeared after finishing the job, and who appeared after the nuns had prayed for help in finishing this part of the structure) is definitely worth seeing. No one apparently knows who the carpenter was (the nuns thought it to be St. Joseph); it's curious that the wood used is supposedly not indigenous to the area and no nails were used to join the staircase, and there's no central pillar or support for the staircase. I wish the narration wasn't just piped in over a loudspeaker but rather was on playaways that could be checked out from the desk or gift shop, or on an app that you could temporarily download on your phone. It rather detracts from this beautiful space. read more

The Loretto chapel located in downtown Santa Fe is a beautiful building. Now privately owned as a historical landmark it houses a structural carpentry marvel, built on 1865, that is attributed to Saint Joseph. Publicized by Unsolved Mysteries the staircase was built by an unknown traveler after the nuns prayed for an answer to access the choir loft. A small admission price is utilized to continue preservation of this beautiful building. Highly recommend if you were in the Santa Fe area to see the chapel read more

Loretto Chapel - Stopping in to pay respects to a carpentry marvel - Churches Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

See all

Pretty short quick line - it's $5 to go in. Miracle staircase is beautiful- was hoping there was more history to read but you have to read about it in the collateral for sale in gift shop. External view was all under construction which is a shame but still got some ok shots read more

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

See all

Wasn't open to the public today. There's a restaurant on site, Illuminara. Would be interesting to see the inside of this small chapel. Wondering if it looks more outstanding than the exterior of it at all. read more

See all

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

$5 to view a roped-off staircase. Took 5 minutes. Was not worth it for us. Muffled repeating soundtrack playing constantly through loudspeakers. read more

Beautiful Gothic Revival chapel completed in 1878. The design is based on Sainte-Chapelle in Paris (one of my favorites). It composed of soaring spires, buttresses, and stained glass windows which were imported from France via the Santa Fe Trail. The Miraculous Spiral Staircase The Loretto Chapel is best known for its "miraculous" spiral staircase. The staircase rises 20 feet to the choir loft, making two full turns, seemingly unsupported. Built mainly from wood, it is held together by wooden pegs and glue instead of nails. Handrails were eventually added as well. According to legend, as the chapel was being completed, there still was no access to the choir loft. Unable to find a suitable carpenter to complete the stairs, the the nuns prayed for nine straight days to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. On the final day, their prayers were answered. A mysterious stranger appeared and offered to build the staircase for free. Using simple hand tools, he built the spiral staircase and and then disappeared afterwards without revealing his identity or collecting any payment. Today, the Loretto Chapel is a privately owned museum and wedding venue, yet the secret of the staircase still remains a mystery. read more

See all

It's one of those historical places in Santa Fe that would make you go "Yea, I've been there!". It's only $5 to get in, and you can stay in the chapel as long as you want. Basically what it is is you go in the sanctuary where people have to be quiet but there's a loud narration recording on the history of the place. You can also get a selfie with the "Miracle Staircase" like I did. They have a huge gift shop as well, but mostly religious stuff. read more

Loretto Chapel - Selfie time with the staircase - Churches Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Amazing and beautiful church. The architecture is amazing to see pictures don't justify the beauty. If you are in the area it's a must see read more

See all

Beautiful Chapel. The inside is awesome. The story behind the construction and sourced wood for building the staircase will blow your mind. Must see. read more

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

We had a little time to kill and heard about the "Miraculous Stairs" and figured we would check them out the first time we tried the line was super long the reason why there is a line is because they charge per person to see the Chappel. Its $5 per adult and a small discount for Seniors and Children. It really is just walking into the church and taking some pics of the stairs. For $1 you can light a candle at the altar. Then you exit through a gift store filled with all kinds of things. If you want to see the stairs and you have a religious connection, I would recommend this but before I would look up the story so you have something to relate it too. If this review helped you, please mark it as helpful and follow me for more around the world. read more

See all

Love the story of the Miraculous Holy Staircase!! You can find this staircase inside Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It costs $5 per person to enter, but I feel that it is worth it. Many folks feel that this is a tourist trap, but I'm not one of them. The weekend we visited, the little Chapel was filled with people. Most folks were hanging out at the back of the church because that is where the staircase is located. While sitting at the pews, you can listen to the story of Loretto Chapel and how the Holy Staircase was built. I do not believe that any masses or services are done at Loretto Chapel anymore. Although, I think that you can book your wedding here. After taking photos and listening to the story of the Miraculous staircase, we sat down at the front of the chapel. We lit a candle, and we said our prayers thanking God for giving us the opportunity to visit the Loretto Chapel in person. Awesome experience!! read more

See all

When is a church not a church? When it's a chapel of love 'cause we're goin' to the chapel and we're gonna get ma-a-arried, goin' to the chapel and we're gonna get ma-a-arried. Gee, I really love you and we're gonna get ma-a-arried. Goin' to the chapel of love. Thank you. No, please sit down. This is indeed a church where people get betrothed but there are no services. It's really a tiny museum with one real attraction, the magical staircase. Cue for the angelic choir. Indeed it did look like it was built with no visible physical support (photo: http://bit.ly/2KCkleG). It turns out that's pretty much what your five bucks gets you because otherwise it's a cute chapel and not much more. The adjoining academy closed in 1968 and has since turned into a pricey hotel and spa. Jamie W. and I stumbled into the posh lobby through an exit door. When we were in need of the facilities, we were told in a snippy tone that the public-looking restrooms were for hotel guests only. So much for Starbucks civility. Guess the $5 doesn't take you too far here. RELATED - Do you know the way to Santa Fe? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: bit.ly/2I4mWdq read more

See all

This is a staple and must visit if you are in Santa fe. It is the First gothic structure west of the Mississippi. Built between1873-1878, patterned after St chapelle in Paris . Known for its Miraculous stairway, which has 360 degrees turns without any central support . It was originally with no rails and these were added later (1887?) . Windows are Handcrafted Stained glass in 1874 . Station of the cross and alter from Italy , made from marbled dust . This place is truly a 19th century treasures. read more

See all

It's not even a chapel anymore, it's on the grounds of a hotel and it's a big tourist trap. There's an entrance fee-which should have tipped me off that it wasn't a working church anymore and all so you can walk in and...that's it. The staircase is there and they sell you the story but once you get in that's really kind of it. Well, there's the gift shop, I basically paid 5 dollars to get the opportunity to spend more money. It is literally a glorified event space that charges admission. read more

The first time I saw this place was on TV from watching Unsolved Mystery. After a few years, I'm finally here, visiting the Loretto Chapel. Looking at the miraculous stairs in person up close and personal is a feeling I can't explain. If you are in Santa Fe, New Mexico, please have time to visit the chapel. It's located in the old town of Santa Fe. The parking is easy to find, and you can be in and out of the chapel for about 15-30 minutes. read more

Loretto Chapel - Inside Loretto Chapel with the miraculous stairs. - Churches Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

See all

This "miraculous" staircase is a sham. Full stop. "It's built with no nails!" Yes, they used wooden pegs. Not uncommon for a skilled carpenter. "It doesn't have visible support!" No, it doesn't have a pole in the center(newel). Without it the stairs can act like a spring, which they did. This is why that added support to the stringers originally used. "It can't be emulated by the greatest scientist of the world!" I don't know how many scientists it takes to built a staircase but luckily this one was built by a carpenter. You can see similar staircases across Europe so maybe their scientists were more skilled. "The guy showed up out of nowhere and disappeared without collecting the money. It's a miracle!" The guy was French and was paid to buy the wood which is in the log book. He was murdered shortly after finishing the staircase. François-Jean "Frank" or "Frenchy" Rochas was his name and even the Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper states "He was a Frenchman, and was favorably known in Santa Fe as an expert worker in wood. He built the handsome stair-case in the Loretto chapel and at St. Vincent sanitarium." So, as you can see, it is pure BS created by those looking to convert people with invented miracles and peddled by those that continue to profit from it. Are there real miracles? Hard to say. I wouldn't trust a Yelp review for the definite answer. You can be sure from this Yelp review that that this isn't one. read more

THE BIGGEST TOURIST TRAP EVER! If you want to see strange and miraculous things head to Meow Wolf instead. Or if you prefer viewing a similar chapel, I'd suggest the San Miguel Church a block away, which is the oldest church structure in the US, its free and far more amusing. The Loretto Chapel is simply a huge tourist trap that really isn't worth your 10 minutes inside or your $5. A friend of ours mentioned the miraculous staircase in the Loretto Chapel, so we added it to our itinerary for Santa Fe during our trip to New Mexico. Little did we know that they charge admission to enter the chapel just to view this staircase and the admission is now $5 per person. The shady part is that there are no signs for admission outside so once you start standing in line to enter the chapel, they immediately catch you off guard with the admission. The staircase itself looks like any spiral staircase, but made out of wood. It only reaches the second story and hardly "miraculous" in my eyes. 90% of the crowd inside the chapel are old retired folks who also probably fell for the trap and didn't know better. I really wish we did more research ourselves so we didn't have to waste the money. The lamest part of this is that they seem to monetize the chapel and staircase so much where they have a gift shop adjacent to the chapel that sell keychains and magnets of the staircase. This just seems completely unnecessary and ridiculous that they try so hard to monetize this religious place. read more

While in Rome... No! Wait! While in Santa Fe, apparently, you visit old churches. I'm not particularly a religious individual but religious institutions have the market cornered when it comes to beautiful buildings. We arrived in Santa Fe extra early and we had to do something to pass the time before the museums and food spots opened. That brings us to Loretto Chapel. I knew nothing about this chapel. My lovely was talking about how it was a place people would pilgrimage to. She also pointed out a sign on the way in on how the place was featured on Unsolved Mysteries. If I remember correctly, it's the first Gothic style church west of the Mississippi. It's beautiful on the inside and out. It's no longer a functioning church. It's now a museum that gets packed with tourists. On the day we were there, there were around two dozen people in the main hall. There isn't much to see in this church other than the church. The stairs exist. Oh, maybe I should clarify... these are miraculous stairs. The story goes that people prayed for days, a carpenter showed up, built the stairs, and bounced. Apparently, that's worthy of some type of divinity. As with most things, I'm skeptical of the story behind them. This place is filled with tourists and honestly, it's more spectacle than spiritual. It is only three dollars(As of April 2017) to get in. If it was a penny more, I'd tell you to enjoy it from the outside. Since it is only three dollars, it's worth it if you want to be lazy and not Google the story of this church. Paying three dollars to check out a church seems odd to me. Others have mentioned there being some type of energy here. I can see that. I'm not sure if it is the story about the stairs, people's excitement about the place, or the overwhelming beauty of the structure but there is something special about this place. I'm sure the diehard religious fans are blinded by this place. Manifestations à la biblical. In short, if you're in Santa Fe and have time to kill, check it out. Don't plan your Santa Fe trip around this chapel. read more

See all