Loretto Chapel's Circular Staircase in Santa Fe

Santa Fe. Ever been there? What a great place to visit—great food, great scenery, great history, great art and culture—all rolled up in one relatively small city. My husband spent part of his childhood there and has made sure that I’ve been there to visit several times, as well as introducing both of our children to it. Last summer we took our friends Paige and Kevin with us for their first visit. They loved it. We had a wonderful time visiting the old, old churches and several museums.

One of the most unique places to see is the Loretto Chapel. Legend has it that the sisters had this lovely chapel built with a balcony for the choir to sing. However, there was an oversight, and there was no money left to build a stairway to get up to the balcony. The sisters prayed for a solution, and one day a carpenter came—and he proceeded to build a staircase. But, not just any staircase, this one is circular with no center support and no nails. As mysteriously as he arrived, the carpenter left, receiving no payment.

The legend says that this carpenter was none other than Joseph, the father of Jesus. The stairway is now closed, but it is an amazing feat of woodworking. Be sure you see it on your next trip to Santa Fe.

By Carla Hedstrom
Meaningful Meanderings Blog