This is the famous staircase in the Loretto Chapel of Sante Fe, New Mexico. The chapel was constructed in 1878 but after completing the chapel they realized that the only way to access the choir loft that stood 22 ft. above would be to use a ladder, as a staircase would take up to much interior space. The sisters of the Loretto Chapel prayed for a carpenter to arrive and solve the church's problems. Out of nowhere a man rode into town looking for work and took up the job. After completing this months long task, he left without a word and without pay. What makes the staircase unique is that it was built without any visible means of support and was built not using nails but wooden pegs. This design still baffles experts to this day as to how this staircase was constructed. My family and I went and saw this staircase while traveling and it has intrigued me as to how something this complex could be achieved at that time and still puzzle architectural experts of our day.
been there
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