About Labyrinths

Although the words maze and labyrinth are often used interchangeably, they describe structurally different kinds of path systems. Mazes are organized around route choices and navigational problem solving, while non-maze labyrinths guide movement through a coherent path system organized in relation to one or more centers.

Labyrinths have a long and geographically widespread history. Examples and representations dating back several thousand years are known from southern Europe and the Mediterranean region, with later forms appearing throughout the Roman world, in medieval churches and manuscripts, in turf and stone labyrinths across northern Europe, and in other regions including South Asia and the Americas. In recent decades, renewed international interest has led to widespread construction and adaptation of labyrinths in both public and private settings.

Labyrinths have served symbolic, ritual, religious, contemplative, artistic, recreational, and community purposes. They appear as permanent and temporary walkable installations, architectural and landscape features, carvings and mosaics, portable designs, and finger labyrinths. Today they are used in settings ranging from churches, parks, gardens, schools, and healthcare environments to private homes and community spaces.