Posted in New Mexico
January 30, 2018
This Former Chapel In New Mexico Has Spellbinding Views…And A Fascinating History
Sometimes history can seem magical. Folktales, historical accounts that seem just a little too good to be true, and events that cannot be fully explained are just a few ways this happens. In fact, there are similar stories that have taken place here in New Mexico and today we’re going to check out one.
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You may thing it looks like an ordinary staircase but you’d be mistaken. Not only was the staircase hand-carved from wood and lacking a physical support beam, but the story behind its creation seemed something like a miracle.

According to the Sisters of Loretto who commissioned the chapel to be built, their architect died before completing the project and they prayed a nine-day novena. On the ninth day, a carpenter arrived to build the staircase using modest tools and no metal nails or central beam. The sisters believed it was Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, who constructed the staircase because of the beautiful design and the mysterious nature of the carpenter himself.

Loretto Chapel is located at 207 Old Santa Fe Trail in Santa Fe. You can find details about the chapel’s history, taking a tour, and even hosting an event by visiting their website, lorettochapel.com.
Did you know New Mexico is also home to the oldest church in the country? You can read more about the San Miguel Church in The Oldest Church In America Is Right Here In New Mexico.