The Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is more than just a beautiful historic church; it’s home to an architectural enigma that has captivated visitors and researchers for over a century. Known as the “Miraculous Staircase,” this stunning wooden spiral staircase ascends to the choir loft without any visible means of support, sparking legends of divine intervention and leaving engineers scratching their heads. While the archives at the Loretto Heritage Center hold countless historical documents, the true identity of the staircase’s builder remains one of the chapel’s most enduring mysteries.
A wooden, circular staircase winds up from the back of the church to the choir loft.
An upward view of the Loretto Chapel staircase in Santa Fe, New Mexico, showcasing its unsupported spiral design.
The Legend Unfolds: A Prayer and a Carpenter
The story of the Loretto Chapel staircase begins in 1878, upon the chapel’s completion. The Sisters of Loretto, who had commissioned the chapel, realized a critical oversight: access to the choir loft. Standard staircase designs proved impossible due to the chapel’s limited space, and numerous carpenters declared the task unachievable without intrusive support structures that would obstruct the seating area.
Desperate for a solution, the Sisters turned to prayer, initiating a novena to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. On the ninth day of their prayers, a mysterious stranger appeared at their door, carrying only a toolbox and seeking work. He offered to build the staircase, and over the next several months, he worked in seclusion.
The result was nothing short of miraculous. The carpenter crafted a breathtaking spiral staircase that elegantly ascended to the choir loft, completing two full 360-degree turns without a central support column or any apparent means of stability. Upon finishing his work, the carpenter vanished without seeking payment or even revealing his name, despite the Sisters’ attempts to express their gratitude. They even placed an advertisement in the local newspaper, but the enigmatic builder was never found.
This extraordinary event led many to believe that the carpenter was none other than St. Joseph himself, answering the Sisters’ prayers in a truly divine fashion. The staircase became a symbol of faith and a source of endless fascination.
An Architectural Marvel and Enduring Mystery
Beyond the legend, the Loretto Chapel staircase is a genuine architectural marvel. Engineers and architects have studied its construction for decades, attempting to understand how it stands without a central support. The staircase features two complete spirals and is constructed entirely of wood, with no nails or screws used in its original construction – only wooden pegs. Its elegant curves and seemingly impossible design defy conventional engineering principles, further fueling the mystery surrounding its creation.
While some theories suggest possible hidden supports or innovative carpentry techniques, no definitive explanation has emerged to fully demystify the staircase’s structural integrity. This lack of a clear, scientific explanation only deepens the allure and reinforces the legend of its miraculous origins.
The Staircase in Popular Culture
The captivating mystery of the Loretto Chapel staircase has transcended religious circles and entered popular culture, inspiring various interpretations across different media:
Comic Book Fascination
In 1960, the staircase became the subject of a comic book titled The Spiral Staircase: A Modern Day Wonder, published by Treasure Chest of Fun and Fact. This comic, written by a former Sister of Loretto, presents the story to a younger audience, depicting the legend with colorful illustrations and highlighting the miraculous nature of the staircase.
1960 comic book cover showing a circular staircase in a church with several people standing around and looking at it. Title reads
The 1960 comic book cover of “Treasure Chest of Fun and Fact” featuring the Loretto Chapel staircase mystery.
Children’s Literature and Imagination
The staircase also inspired a children’s book, The Little Church Mouse of the Loretto Chapel (2000), which tells the story through the eyes of a church mouse who recounts the legend to a dove. This version further emphasizes the enchanting and almost fairytale-like quality of the staircase mystery, appealing to the imagination of young readers.
Book cover entitled
The cover of “The Little Church Mouse of the Loretto Chapel” children’s book, illustrating a whimsical take on the staircase story.
Musical Interpretations
The mystery has even found its way into music. A song titled “The Staircase” by J.K. Green, copyrighted in 1992, offers a country-western ballad rendition of the legend. While the performer on the available cassette remains unidentified, the song demonstrates the staircase’s broader cultural impact, inspiring creative interpretations beyond literature and visual media.
Photo of typed page of song lyrics.
Typed lyrics of the song “The Staircase” by J.K. Green, showcasing the musical inspiration drawn from the chapel’s enigma.
Unsolved Mysteries and Television
The popular docuseries Unsolved Mysteries featured the Loretto Chapel staircase in a 1990 episode, further amplifying its mystique to a national audience. Robert Stack’s narration lends an eerie tone to the story, presenting it as a genuine enigma that defies logical explanation. This television feature solidified the staircase’s place in the realm of unexplained phenomena.
Hollywood’s Fictionalized Account
In 1998, a made-for-TV movie titled The Staircase offered a fictionalized dramatization of the legend, starring Barbara Hershey. While taking creative liberties and adding romantic elements, the film brought the story to a wider audience, albeit sometimes at the expense of historical accuracy. Filmed partially at the Loretto Chapel itself, the movie highlights the enduring cinematic appeal of the mystery.
Women in habits pose for a photo around one woman in street clothes.
Sister Mary Frances Lottes SL, pictured with the cast of “The Staircase” movie, taken during filming at the Loretto Chapel.
Man with a headset and filming gear smiles for a photo at the base of the circular staircase.
Scriptwriter Chris Lofton at the base of the Loretto Chapel staircase during the filming of “The Staircase” movie.
Woman in a habit stands on the circular staircase, with the filming set around her.
Barbara Hershey, portraying Mother Madalyn, filmed descending the Loretto Chapel staircase for “The Staircase” movie.
The Enduring Allure of the Mystery
The Loretto Chapel staircase remains an object of wonder and speculation. Whether attributed to divine intervention, ingenious carpentry, or a combination of both, its existence continues to inspire awe and curiosity. For visitors to Santa Fe, the staircase is a must-see attraction, a tangible link to a captivating mystery that blends faith, architecture, and the enduring power of the unexplained. The search for the carpenter’s identity may continue, but perhaps the true miracle lies in the staircase’s ability to inspire wonder and spark the imagination across generations.
