We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
Free Newsletter

Interested in Santa Fe?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Santa Fe each week.

  • Save Loretto Chapel
  • E-mail this page

Loretto Chapel


TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #37 of 158 attractions in Santa Fe
Traveller Description: This chapel contains a mysterious spiral staircase built without nails, dowels or any visible support.
Familiar with Loretto Chapel? Write your own description and share what you know with other travellers.
Attraction type: Religious site, Historic site
Activities: City walk sightseeing, Leisure education
Address: 207 Old Santa Fe Trail
Between Alameda and Water sts. Santa Fe, NM 87501
Tel: 505-982-0092
Fax: 505-984-7921

Traveller Reviews

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
Save Review
2 of 5 stars
greenville, sc
18 Jun 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

With all do respect to the fact that this site is a church (although it has been "decommissioned"), it has become a tacky tourist trap. They play a canned narration which becomes rather grating rather quickly. The staircase is interesting but there isn't access to a view thst is anymore insightful then the pictures in any guidebook. And of course,... more

10 Jun 2009

This place is for profit, and it shows. I love visiting beautiful old churches, but this one was not worth my time or money. See snopes about the staircase before you spend the $. more

Save Review
2 of 5 stars
Ireland
10 Jun 2009

This chapel is aesthetically pleasing, and the staircase (which, by the way, has two big metal supports, one attached to a pillar and the other to a wall) is interesting, but not exactly miraculous, and the whole operation is very commercial and disrespectful. I amn't a religious person, but I could not bear the narrative piped in, and the $3... more

2 May 2009

The entire chapel is absolutely beautiful and worth seeing. I was sad to see how commercial it has become though. It was built as a place of worship, but now no one shows any respect for it. When I went, it was loud and people were joking and shouting and arguing. Kids were running around without anyone watching over them... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
New Mexico
29 Mar 2009

As I entered the chapel an indescribable smell of old world came about. The kind that makes you breath in again and again some how hoping to take in a piece of its history. Music gently filled the room by speaker, as a pleasant voice provides the history of the chapel. Stained glass windows so vibrant in color enhance the... more

19 Jan 2009

The Loretto chapel is beautiful, no question. The staircase is truly amazing and deserves every attention. The offputting thing, however, is the piped-in broadcast relaying the story of the Sisters, the stairs, etc. It cheapens the experience a bit, making it feel more touristy than it should be. At the entrance, a sign asks for quiet and yet, this taped... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
St. Petersburg, Florida
30 Nov 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

Loretto Chapel is within walking distance of just about everything in downtown Santa Fe. We parked in a parking garage and started off our Santa Fe experience here. Whether you believe the legend behind the mystery staircase or not, it is a spectacular chapel. The architecture and detail are beautiful and the stained glass bathes the small interior in rich... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
Lubbock, Texas
7 Jan 2008
3/3 found this review helpful

I love the Loretto Chapel. I remember visiting it as a kid and being fascinated by the place -- now 20 years later, I still felt the same way when we visited last week. The audio story they loop in the chapel is well-done, and the staircase itself causes visitors of all ages to sit and stare at it for... more

Save Review
2 of 5 stars
Helena, Alabama
14 Sep 2007
3/3 found this review helpful

I wish I could say that the Loretto Chapel is as beautiful inside as it is outside and that the legendary staircase is amazing, however I can’t because we arrived prior to one of the approximately 200 weddings that the chapel hosts each year. The wedding was around 4:00 p.m. on a Saturday, but the chapel would not re-open to... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
Chicago, IL
5 Jun 2007
6/7 found this review helpful

Description would be a simple 100+ year old chapel built by sisters. Experience is beyond belief. Not being a religious person I paid my $2 donation and expected to be mystified by the miracle steps. What I didn't expect was to be personally touched by a feeling of being in an extremely special place. The chapel itself is very beautiful... more

Travellers Who Viewed This Attraction Also Viewed
No photo provided
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Price not available
Price not available
No photo provided
Price not available
Write Your Own Attraction Review
Been to Loretto Chapel? Share your experiences!
Write a Review
Add Photos
Add Videos

Loretto Chapel: Management Resources

TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.

  • Start Here - Visit Your Owner's Page
  • Add Photo
  • Add Video

Loretto Chapel Address

207 Old Santa Fe Trail, Between Alameda and Water sts., Santa Fe, NM 87501
Tel: 505-982-0092 Fax: 505-984-7921