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Loretto Chapel and its collection

Loretto Chapel
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The Loretto Chapel, located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is renowned for its spiral staircase. This remarkable piece of carpentry is a unique feature that sets the chapel apart. The staircase, which is twenty feet high and makes two complete revolutions to reach the triforium, was constructed without nails and is held together by wooden pegs. The staircase was not originally attached to the wall, but in 1887, the outer spiral was attached to a pillar and a railing was added.

The History and Design of the Chapel

The Loretto Chapel was commissioned in 1872 by Jean-Baptiste Lamy, the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Santa Fe. The chapel was intended for a convent that would be guarded by the Sisters of Loretto. The chapel was designed in a neo-Gothic style by French architect Antoine Mouly, who passed away before the construction was completed. The buttresses, spires, and stained glass windows were imported from France, and the design was reportedly inspired by the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris.

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ESCapilla de Loreto
FRChapelle de Lorette

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Art & Design Art & Design Religion Religious building

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#2 Art & Design in Santa Fe #3 History & Anthropology in Santa Fe #2 Religion museums in Santa Fe #2 Religious buildings in Santa Fe #2 Art & Design in New Mexico #3 History & Anthropology in New Mexico #2 Religion museums in New Mexico #2 Religious buildings in New Mexico #54 Art & Design in United States #112 History & Anthropology in United States #28 Religion museums in United States #10 Religious buildings in United States

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Loretto Chapel
Old Santa Fe Trail 207
NM 87501 Santa Fe
New Mexico

Images of Loretto Chapel

Visitor information Loretto Chapel

Opening hours

Monday
9:00 – 17:00
Tuesday
9:00 – 17:00
Wednesday
9:00 – 17:00
Thursday
9:00 – 17:00
Friday
9:00 – 17:00
Saturday
9:00 – 17:00
Sunday
9:00 – 17:00
More opening hours

Admission

0 – 6Free
7 – 17US$3.00
65+US$4.00
AdultsUS$5.00
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Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of Loretto Chapel.

Location & Map

Old Santa Fe Trail 207, Santa Fe

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Loretto Chapel have been found.

Loretto Chapel Reviews

Loretto Chapel has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe is a former Roman Catholic church known for its architectural beauty and mysterious spiral staircase. Visitors often praise the chapel's Gothic Revival style, intricate stained glass windows, and ornate details. The main attraction is the "miraculous" staircase, which makes two complete 360-degree turns without any visible means of support. Many reviewers express awe at the craftsmanship and engineering of the staircase, considering it a marvel of woodworking.

    While most visitors find the chapel charming and historically interesting, some mention that it's relatively small and can feel crowded during peak times. The admission fee is occasionally noted as being a bit high for the size of the attraction, but many feel it's worth it for the unique experience. Some visitors recommend joining a guided tour or reading about the chapel's history beforehand to fully appreciate its significance.

    The chapel's location in downtown Santa Fe is convenient for tourists, allowing easy access to other attractions in the area. However, parking can be challenging, especially during busy periods.

    Overall, the Loretto Chapel is generally well-received by visitors for its historical significance, architectural beauty, and the intriguing story of its spiral staircase. While it may not require a long visit, many find it a worthwhile stop when exploring Santa Fe's rich cultural heritage.

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