The historic Loretto Chapel, located at the end of the Old Santa Fe Trail, draws visitors from around the world. Inside stands the Miraculous Staircase—an architectural marvel cloaked in mystery. This engineering feat makes two full 360-degree turns without any visible means of support.
According to legend, after the chapel was completed in 1878, the Sisters of Loretto realized they had no way to access the choir loft.  So, they prayed.  In response to their prayers to St. Joseph, a mysterious carpenter appeared. Using only simple tools and wooden dowels, he built the staircase and then disappeared without asking for payment. His identity remains unknown to this day, leading many to believe he may have been St. Joseph himself.

I spoke with the curator, who has overseen the staircase for more than 30 years. He shared fascinating context and insights into the origins of this inexplicable spiral.