The legend of the wonderful staircase of the Loretto Chapel (12 photos + 1 video)

In the city of Santa Fe (New Mexico, USA) there is a small chapel of Loretto, famous not only for its history, but also for its mysterious wooden spiral staircase, which is considered a real miracle of engineering.





This legend attracts pilgrims, tourists and lovers of secrets from all over the world.

History of Loretto Chapel



Loretto Chapel

Loretto Chapel was built in 1878 for the nuns of the Order of Saint Ursula, who founded a school for girls in the area. The chapel is of Gothic Revival architecture and became an important religious center in the area. However, during the completion of the building, it was discovered that the architect who worked on the project had died or left the city without finishing some key elements of the building. One of these was the lack of access to the choir, the upper floor where the choir and organist were located.





The choir was too high to install a normal staircase, and the space inside the chapel was too small for a full spiral structure. The nuns were in a difficult situation: how to provide access to the choir without disturbing the aesthetics and the limited space?

Prayer and the Miraculous Carpenter



According to legend, the nuns turned to the Virgin Mary for help, performing special prayers - a novena - for nine days. On the last day of prayers, a humble carpenter approached the chapel with a donkey and a set of tools. He introduced himself as Thomas and offered to build a ladder that would solve their problem.



The carpenter worked alone, not allowing anyone else to participate in the process. In a few months, he created a unique spiral staircase that amazed everyone with its design and beauty. It consisted of two full turns, had no visible supports, and was supported only by a complex system of beams and fasteners. After completing the work, Thomas disappeared as suddenly as he appeared, without taking payment for his work.

The nuns tried to find him to thank him, but to no avail. According to one version, this man could have been Jesus Christ himself or Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters.

Features of the staircase



The wonderful staircase of the Loretto Chapel still evokes admiration and questions. Its uniqueness lies in the following:

Lack of a central support. The staircase rotates 360 degrees twice, but has no visible central support. It seems to float in the air.

Unusual material. The wood from which the staircase is made does not correspond to any local species. Research has shown that this wood resembles European oak, which does not grow in the Santa Fe area.

An engineering marvel. The staircase has been standing for over 140 years, despite the fact that its design seems physically impossible. Engineers still cannot explain how it can withstand the weight of people and remain stable.

Mysterious master. The identity of the master remains unknown. No one knows exactly who built it, and how he managed to create such a work of art.

The Symbol of Faith



Saint Joseph, patron saint of carpenters

For many believers, this ladder is a symbol of miracle and God's mercy. Nuns and parishioners are sure that Thomas was sent by the Virgin Mary to help them in difficult times. The Loretto Chapel has become a place of pilgrimage, where people pray and give thanks for help in difficult situations.

Facts and Fiction



Like all legends, the story of the Loretto Chapel stairs has some truth and some fiction. Mary J. Straw Cook, a historian, researched the Santa Fe stairs for seven years. She gathered enough information about the mysterious carpenter to write a book in 1984 called Loretto: The Seven Sisters and Their Santa Fe Chapel. Cook says she found an entry in the nuns' diary from 1881 that said they paid a man named Rojas for the wood.



Cook also found an old newspaper article in the New Mexico that said Mr. Rojas was shot in the chest at his home in Dog Canyon, and that he was a skilled woodworker who built the impressive staircase at Loretto Chapel. According to Cook, Francois-Jean Rojas was a member of a French secret society of highly skilled craftsmen that had existed since the Middle Ages. Cook says Rojas came to the United States specifically to build the Santa Fe staircase, and that he had the wood shipped in from France. He is buried at Our Lady of Light Catholic Cemetery.

A Timeless Wonder



Barbara Hershey descends the staircase during filming

The inspiring legend led to books and the 1998 film The Staircase starring Barbara Hershey and William Petersen. While some legends may have been debunked due to information about the staircase's supposed creator, many people who have seen the structure claim that it is no less amazing. Where did the inspiration and knowledge come from to create the stunning staircase that still amazes even the world's best craftsmen to this day?



The grave of the possible creator of the stairs

What is certain is that it is a marvelous work of art. It can still be seen today, but these days the chapel is more of a corporate event space and a museum. It can still host important religious events. Most visitors actually come just to see the Loretto Chapel stairs, which some call marvelous.



The Loretto Chapel Staircase is not just an architectural marvel, but also a symbol of faith, hope, and trust in higher powers. Whether you believe in miracles or prefer scientific explanations, this story continues to inspire people around the world. It reminds us that even in the most difficult situations, a solution can emerge that changes everything.