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Loretto Chapel
Loretto Chapel was constructed in 1873 to accommodate the Academy of Our Lady of Light (Loretto), a 300 student Catholic school founded in 1852 by the Sisters of Loretto under the direction of Bishop Jean Baptisite Lamy. During this time in New Mexico history, the Catholic church sought to spread the faith and bring an educational system to this new territory, an academy and chapel were needed to meet these missions and were accomplished despite the challenges of the territory (smallpox, tuberculosis, leaky mud roofs and even a brush with the rowdy Confederate Texans during the Civil War).
Loretto Chapel architecture was influenced by French clergy, built in the Gothic Revival-style chapel, and patterned after King Louis IX's Sainte-Chapelle in Paris.
When the Loretto Chapel was completed, there was no way to access the choir loft, 22 feet above. Legend says la miraculous staircase was constructed or inspired by St. Joseph the Carpenter. The staircase took at least six months to build, stands 20’ tall, and has two 360 degree turns with no visible means of support. It rests solely on its base and against the choir loft. The risers of the 33 steps are all of the same height. Made of an apparently extinct wood species, and was constructed with only square wooden pegs with no glue or nails.
Over the years many have flocked to the Loretto Chapel to see the Miraculous Staircase. The staircase has been the subject of many articles, TV specials, and movies including "Unsolved Mysteries" and the Kraft movie called "The Staircase". The Loretto Chapel can be reserved for private weddings.
Loretto Chapel is now a private museum open from 9am - 5pm, Monday through Saturday and 10:30am - 5pm on Sunday during the winter months and 9am - 6pm Monday through Saturday and 10:30am - 5pm on Sunday during the summer. Hotel guests of the Sage Inn can walk downtown to the Loretto Chapel.
Loretto Chapel
207 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505.982.0092
www.lorettochapel.com
Book Your Sage Inn Room Now
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