the original staircase
the current stairs
the story
The Loretto Chapel’s miraculous spiral staircase in Santa Fe
The Loretto Chapel is a former Roman Catholic Church in Sante Fe, New Mexico that is now a privately owned museum and wedding chapel. It’s known for its spiral staircase the “ Miraculous Stair”, which rises 20 feet while making two full turns, all without support of a break or central pole…it’s held together by wooden pegs, no glue, nails or other hardware…33 stairs, noted to be the age of Christ at the time of his death. Built between 1877-1881. (story has it a mysterious stranger appeared, built the staircase and then disappeared without collecting pay, the Sisters of Loretto believed the mysterious builder was Saint Joseph himself)….railings were added in 1887.
the legend
the model
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the link to the Loretto chapel and the stairs’ history:
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“the difficult is what takes a little time; the impossible Is what takes a little longer.’
-fridtjof nansen
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source credits: Loretto Chapel
Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA – May 2026
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I didn't have my glasses on.... 
More beautiful than practical.
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the nuns used to sit down to get down the stairs, i would be terrified, but it was beautiful
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Adding rails seems like a good idea but the original staircase is especially fascinating!
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i can’t imagine going up and down it without, but it is so cool looking
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Such craftsmanship is a joy to behold.
Best wishes, Pete.
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yes, it’s a treasure
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The original staircase is especially beautiful. It just seems to flow. But I’d be afraid to walk up and down on it.
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imagine them going up and down with their long robes, i agree
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This is über-amazing. love stories like this one. To me it’s a wonder.
“The difficult is what takes a little time. The impossible is what takes a little longer.” Fridtjof Nansen
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glad you enjoyed it
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Wow and wonderful – just amazing!
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<3
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Wonderful legends!
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Was sorry to have missed this the one time I was in Santa Fe.
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a magnificent and inspiring structure —
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Yes, so beautiful
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all I would have done, was to have stared at the original stairs
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Fabulous, Beth! Maybe not practical like Pete mentioned, but I’ve always been fascinated with spiral staircases. The quote is inspiring too!
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These tight staircases literally drive you round the bend!
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Santa Fe, whose name means “Holy Faith,” is a great place to visit. We spent a few days there in 2023.
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Very cool! I much prefer the current stairs; I wouldn’t want to walk up or down without the safety of a railing.
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If you were a nun during that time you’d sit on your habit as you made your way down
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It’s incredible! And I love the legend about it.
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thanks, i loved the legend too
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Wow!
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I feel dizzy just looking at them! I’d definitely bump my way down on my backside!
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yep
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Much safer with the railing for sure. Still wouldn’t want to circle my way up or down that.
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nor would i –
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I’ve heard of this. So cool you got to see it!
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