In short
- The chapel officially lists the builder as unknown.
- Legend says St. Joseph answered the nuns' prayers.
- Historians believe Francois-Jean Rochas built the stairs.
In this article
When the Loretto Chapel was completed in 1878, it lacked access to the 20-foot choir loft. The nuns prayed for a solution, leading to the creation of the spiral staircase. Today, the builder's true identity remains a mix of faith and historical research.
Who built loretto staircase?
The chapel officially considers the carpenter to be unknown. However, evidence strongly points to a French woodworker named Francois-Jean Rochas.
The Gothic Revival chapel was finished in 1878 without stairs to the choir loft. A mysterious carpenter arrived, built the 33-step spiral structure, and left without being paid. He used an unidentified spruce wood and no iron nails.
What is the legend of St. Joseph at Loretto Chapel?
The nuns prayed a nine-day novena to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, for a way to reach the loft.
According to the story, a stranger appeared on the final day of their prayers. He worked alone using simple tools to construct the helix staircase. After finishing the two 360-degree turns, he vanished before the nuns could pay him. Many believers think he was St. Joseph himself.
Who was Francois-Jean 'Frenchy' Rochas?
Francois-Jean Rochas was an expert French woodworker whom historians credit with building the staircase.
Historical researchers found evidence linking Rochas to the construction. He lived in the area during the late 1800s. His background in French carpentry aligns with the complex wooden pegs and glue used to build the structure.
What materials did the unknown carpenter use?
The staircase is made from an unidentified type of spruce that is not native to New Mexico.
The builder constructed the structure using only wooden pegs and glue. There were no iron nails used in the original 20-foot tall helix. The exact origin of the wood remains a mystery today.
| Material Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wood type | Unidentified spruce |
| Origin | Not native to New Mexico |
| Fasteners | Wooden pegs and glue |
| Iron used | None in original build |
Why is the Loretto Chapel staircase considered a miracle?
It is considered a miracle because of its unexplained engineering and the legend surrounding its builder.
The stairs make two complete 360-degree turns with no central support column. It also contains exactly 33 steps, known as the age of Jesus. These details fuel the ongoing mystery of the unknown carpenter.
Can you visit the staircase today?
Yes, the Loretto Chapel operates as a private museum open 364 days a year.
Visitors can pay the $5 adult admission to view the staircase. You cannot walk up the steps, as they are roped off for preservation. Photography is allowed for personal use.
Questions travellers ask
How much does it cost to get into the Loretto Chapel?
General adult admission is $5. Seniors are $4, youth pay $3, and children under 7 enter for free.
How many steps are in the Loretto Chapel staircase?
The spiral staircase contains exactly 33 steps. This number is traditionally recognized as the age of Jesus.
Are dogs allowed in the Loretto Chapel?
Yes, well-behaved dogs on a leash are permitted inside the chapel.
