Trip Planner:   USA  /  New Mexico  /  Santa Fe  /  Loretto Chapel

Loretto Chapel, Santa Fe

Must see · Religious Site · Historic Site
Create an itinerary including Loretto Chapel
Loretto Chapel, a former Roman Catholic church, is known for its unusual spiral staircase. Called the Miraculous Staircase, it makes two 360-degree turns and is 6 m (20 ft) tall--but has no visible means of support. It's not only an engineering mystery; no one knows for certain who built it. The Sisters of Loretto credit St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, with its construction. After examining the staircase, give yourself enough time to appreciate the Gothic Revival architecture of this late 19th-century building. It features imposing spires, buttresses, and stained-glass windows imported from France. PutLoretto Chapel into our Santa Fe road trip website and find out what's close by, where to stay, and where to head next.
Improve this listing »
Create a full itinerary - for free!

Loretto Chapel reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
5,177 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • Interesting to look at the wooden spiral staircase. Take the time to sit and listen to the narrative about the church's history. $5 entrance fee per person and senior discount if you request, $4... 
    Interesting to look at the wooden spiral staircase. Take the time to sit and listen to the narrative about the church's history. $5 entrance fee per person and senior discount if you request, $4...  more »
  • The entire church is very attractive -- its design was reportedly inspired by Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, and the resemblance can be easily noted. However, the star attraction is the staircase, and it.....  more
    The entire church is very attractive -- its design was reportedly inspired by Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, and the resemblance can be easily noted. However, the star attraction is the staircase, and it.....  more »
  • The history about the staircase is incredible, the pieces inside the church made in Paris and Italy, the stain glass windows...wow! Love to see this old churches, a miracle! 
    The history about the staircase is incredible, the pieces inside the church made in Paris and Italy, the stain glass windows...wow! Love to see this old churches, a miracle!  more »
Google
  • This chapel was breathtaking! Absolute serenity! We can to see the miraculous staircase during a real estate conference! The design and architecture was amazing with the high ceilings and intricate architecture! There are many shops located in the museum with very interesting items to browse.
  • Such a beautifully preserved piece of fun religious history. Once inside there are audio tapes playing that will explain the miraculous story of a staircase that was mysteriously finished by an unknown carpenter without payment after 9 days of prayer from the nuns of this chapel. For only a $5 entry fee, I could not recommend it more if you find yourself in Santa Fe! I think there is enough history here regardless of your faith or denomination to be worthy of a visit! There is also a very nice gift shop when exiting the chapel.
  • Neat place to stop and see & it’s only $5 per person which goes toward maintaining the place. The miraculous staircase is certainly very cool to see and hear the story on the recording that is playing on a loop, but it’s closed off so you can’t walk on it and it’s now been anchored to the wall so it isn’t quite as miraculous as it once was. The alter is gorgeous & the gothic style is impressive how it has survived and been restored when the surrounding original buildings are all long gone. The stained glass is also very impressive- especially the rose window. I can see how this smaller chapel would be an amazing venue for a wedding. It’s $5 per person to get in. There is a discount for seniors ($1 off) and children ($2 off).
  • Entrance fee was $5 for an adult. I'm not a religious person but appreciate history and beautiful architecture. The staircase was truly an architectural masterpiece. However, it did feel a bit underwhelming in the sense that this place was more focused on profit making as evidenced by the gift shop with overpriced items. They only had a tape recorder playing to talk about the history vs an actual live person. Also, they allow people to rent out for weddings. If you're dying to see this, then by all means go and visit. However, I wouldn't put this on my list of top things to do and see in Santa Fe as it feels more like a tourist trap. I'm sure many people have posted pictures of the staircase online. Save yourself $5 and just view that and Google the history.
  • Beautiful, historic Chapel in the middle of the Plaza in Santa Fe. The interior is breathtaking with stained glass, etched marble, and of course, the beautiful floating staircase. You're not able to touch or climb the staircase in order to preserve it. $5 admission fee and you can take as many photos as you like. Great spot to check out while in Santa Fe. Be sure to research the history of the staircase.

Plan your trip to Santa Fe

  • Get a personalized trip
    A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place. Everyone on the same page.