Loretto Chapel: The Miraculous Staircase and the Legacy of the Sisters of Loretto
Just off Old Santa Fe Trail, the Loretto Chapel rises in slender Gothic lines, a small but striking landmark shaped by faith, craftsmanship, and the ambitions of the early Sisters of Loretto. Its presence in downtown Santa Fe feels both historic and refined, an architectural treasure that continues to draw travelers from around the world.
A Brief History
The Sisters of Loretto arrived in Santa Fe in 1852 to establish a school for girls. As their academy grew, they envisioned a chapel that would bring European elegance to the Southwest. Architect Projectus Mouly, trained in Paris, designed a Gothic Revival structure inspired by Sainte‑Chapelle, complete with imported French stained glass and pointed arches that lift the eye upward.
The choir loft posed a challenge: no staircase had been planned, and the height made access difficult. According to tradition, the Sisters prayed a novena to St. Joseph. On the final day, a carpenter appeared, built a spiral staircase of remarkable engineering, and departed without payment or name. The staircase completes two full turns, has no visible central support, and remains one of the most studied pieces of carpentry in the region.
When the Loretto Academy closed in 1968, the chapel was deconsecrated and sold. It is now privately maintained as a museum and wedding venue, preserving its history with care.
Inside the Chapel
The interior is intimate and richly detailed. Stained glass windows cast color across the pews, and the Miraculous Staircase rises in a graceful helix near the altar. Visitors can approach closely to study its structure, the joinery, and the craftsmanship that has inspired decades of discussion.
A small gift shop connected to the Sisters of Loretto is located beside the chapel.
Visitor Information
Location 207 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501 Phone: 505-982-0092
Hours Daily, generally 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Hours may shift on holidays or during private events. Because the chapel hosts frequent weddings, occasional short‑notice closures occur. Calling ahead is recommended.
Admission Adults: $5 Seniors: $4 Youth (7–17): $3 Children under 7: Free
Photography Cameras are welcome. Visitors may photograph the staircase and interior.
Parking No on‑site parking. Metered street parking and nearby garages serve the area.
Services The chapel is not an active parish and does not hold regular Mass. It is used primarily for weddings, hosting more than 100 ceremonies each year.
For Travelers
A visit to the Loretto Chapel is concise and memorable. Most guests spend 15–45 minutes exploring the stained glass, reading the staircase’s history, and taking photographs. Morning hours tend to offer the most open space for viewing.
For travelers interested in architecture, craftsmanship, or Santa Fe’s religious heritage, the chapel offers a clear, well‑preserved window into the city’s past.
