Loretto Chapel

The Loretto Chapel is famous for its remarkable spiral staircase, often referred to as the miraculous staircase. This unique structure undergoes two full rotations while ascending 22 feet to reach the choir loft. Interestingly, the staircase was constructed by a wandering carpenter after the completion of the chapel in 1878. The carpenter ingeniously used wooden pegs instead of nails, and remarkably, the staircase appears to have no visible means of support. The neo-Gothic church is relatively small, measuring only 25 feet by 75 feet, but it boasts other captivating features such as trefoil arches, buttresses, and exquisite stained-glass windows imported all the way from France.

Visitors appreciated the impressive staircase in the small chapel, despite its size. However, some felt that paying a $5 admission fee was not worthwhile. They pointed out that there are other fascinating churches in the vicinity that offer free entry.

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