Loretto Chapel Mystery Staircase
by Gordon Beck
Title
Loretto Chapel Mystery Staircase
Artist
Gordon Beck
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The famous mystery spiral staircase of the Loretto Chapel, Santa Fe, New Mexico. When the chapel was completed in 1878, there was no easy way to access the choir loft 22 feet above. Legend has it that local carpenters were called in to build a staircase but there simply wasn't room...a ladder was recommended instead. Rejecting that idea, the Chapel Sisters prayed for a solution. Soon after, a man appeared at the Chapel with a donkey and a toolbox looking for work. Months later, the elegant circular staircase was completed, and the carpenter disappeared without pay or thanks. The staircase has many features that perplex experts and has been the subject of many articles and TV specials including Unsolved Mysteries. For example, the staircase has two 360 degree turns and no center pole or other visible means of support. It was also built without nails—only wooden pegs. It is truly a remarkable feat of woodworking...a mystery and miracle to many. Social media sharing always appreciated.
Uploaded
September 24th, 2019
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