Loretto staircase, Spiral staircase in Loretto Chapel, Santa Fe, United States
Description
The Loretto staircase is a wooden spiral structure in a chapel located in Santa Fe that makes two complete rotations over roughly 20 feet in height. It contains 33 steps joined without a central support pole or nails, displaying an unusual construction method.
History
The staircase was built in 1878 after French architects completed the Gothic Revival chapel, serving to connect the ground floor to the choir area above. It has remained part of this building ever since its completion.
Culture
The staircase has become deeply tied to local legend and draws visitors who want to see a symbol of exceptional craftsmanship firsthand. People come to observe the refined woodwork and unusual construction that speaks to a period of skilled hands and careful design.
Practical
The site is located within an active house of worship that now functions as a museum open to visitors and sits easily accessible on Old Santa Fe Trail. Visit during daylight hours when natural light streams through the windows, allowing you to see the construction details clearly.
Did you know?
The wood used to build the staircase does not come from the local area and its exact origin remains mysterious. This mystery, combined with the use of wooden pegs instead of nails for fastening, makes the structure puzzling even today.
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Stairs serve not only to overcome elevation changes but often rank among the notable structures of their cities. The Spanish Steps in Rome with its 135 steps has connected two districts since 1725 and became a meeting point for locals and visitors. In Montmartre, 222 steps lead to the Basilica of...
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