Loretto Chapel
A small Gothic Revival chapel famous for its “Miraculous Staircase,” a double-spiral wooden staircase with no central support.
Built in 1878 for a school run by nuns, the chapel contains a wooden staircase that makes two full turns without a central column. According to legend, a mysterious carpenter built it and left without accepting payment, which is why it is called the “Miraculous Staircase.” The chapel is now a private museum. Tickets cost about $5, and a visit takes about 20 minutes. It is often used for weddings, and it can be crowded in peak season. It is a 2-minute walk from the plaza.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00 (Sundays from 10:30)
Nearby sights
- Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
- Santa Fe Plaza
- San Miguel Chapel
- Palace of the Governors
- Barrio de Analco & Oldest House
- New Mexico Museum of Art
- New Mexico State Capitol
- Georgia O'Keeffe Museum