Monday, August 9, 2010

Churches of Santa Fe

One of my favorite things to do on trips, is to see the historical churches of the area. Two churches in Santa Fe, New Mexico are featured here.






                                                                                     
                                                                  
               
                                      
Below: Loretto Chapel  has been the subject of many articles, TV specials, and movies including "Unsolved Mysteries" and the television movie titled "The Staircase." The story is that when the chapel was built in 1873, there was no means to get the choir up to  the loft in the back of the church. The sisters prayed for an answer and 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 rest of the mystery is about the contrucution of the  staircase. It has two 360 degree turns and no visible means of support. Also, it is said that the staircase was built without nails—only wooden pegs. Questions also surround the number of stair risers relative to the height of the choir loft and about the types of wood and other materials used in the stairway's construction.

                                                                            






                              The stair rails were put in many years later, for safety, not support.



I am joining Chari for



5 comments:

podso said...

This is an interesting post. I also love the title of your blog! Nice to visit.

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

The architecure is gorgeous.! Beautiful post. Looks as though we're neighbors, us in Missouri and you in Kansas? hugs ~lynne~

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Looks as though I should have proofed what I wrote and checked spelling... architecture, for give the error...lol hugs ~lynne~

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Pat...

So very nice to have you join in with the Sunday Favorites repost party, my friend! What a great post to showcase once again...it's lovely! Ohhh yes...I too, enjoy touring the old cathedrals! I was in my "7th heaven" when we were in Europe. We were able to tour some of the oldest and most famous cathedrals while there!

I just loved getting a peek at both of these gorgeous catherdrals, my friend! I seen the movie "The Staircase". It was a fabulous movie! It was such a treat getting to see the real staircase in your photos! Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful post with us for the party today!

Warmest Sunday wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

Keetha Broyles said...

Ooooooo. I LOVE these.

I posted some churches for Sunday in My City a month or two back. Ours aren't as lofty nor grand as these, but for our little town I think they are rather striking.