There are several French cathedrals where a labyrinth is part of different contexts. The labyrinth on the church floor in Chartres is probably the most famous, and at the same time the largest church labyrinth still in existence.
Chartres Labyrinth is, like the Trojaborg labyrinth, a so-called one-way labyrinth. That is, when you have reached the goal in the middle, you have been through all the passages. There are no dead ends. You are kind of taken all the way in and out. There is one continuous and harmonious gait.
Chartres Labyrinth is an old classic pattern that originates from the Middle Ages. In the city of Chartres in France (a little south-west of Paris), this pattern can still be seen today as a floor mosaic in the old cathedral.
You get a rather clear picture of this when piecing together accounts from various French cathedrals that either have or once had labyrinths.
In these cathedrals, following the Easter service, the bishop would perform a kind of Easter dance together with the dean and other clergy (in some accounts, he leads a group of pilgrims). This dance symbolized the joy of life’s victory over death. At the beginning of the dance, the youngest canon would hand over a large ball to the dean or bishop. The ball was so big that it couldn't be held in one hand. The procession then solemnly danced through the labyrinth’s passages in a specific three-part rhythm (Tripudium), while the bishop tossed the ball into the air, each time higher and higher—clearly representing the rising sun in springtime. The other clergy followed in a long chain, all singing the ancient Easter hymn Victimae Paschali Laudes, accompanied by the organ.
Later accounts tell of penitents crawling through the labyrinth on their knees while reciting prayers. Such a penitential journey could sometimes last for a whole hour.
Photos of church labyrinths in France were taken by Jeff Saward, Labyrinthos.
Gl. Ryvej 2, Rodelund
DK-8653 Them
Gl. Ryvej 2, Rodelund
DK-8653 Them
At Labyrinthia, you can choose to buy food in the café and eat it indoors or outside on the south-facing terrace.
You can also bring your own food and eat it outside.
We also have two large gas grills, so you can grill your own food if you wish.
NB: There is a free “doggy bar” (fresh water) for our thirsty four-legged guests.
In the café, we offer a delicious selection of food and drinks. Enjoy freshly made sandwiches, hot dogs, fish and chips, barista coffee, slush ice, ice cream, and much more.
Create the ideal setting for your next school event, activity, or gathering with our cozy tent – perfect for outdoor teaching, teacher days, field trips, and more.
The tent accommodates up to 64 people, and you can rent the entire tent for 500 DKK or just half of it (max. 32 people) for 250 DKK, if the tent is shared with another event.
Contact us to learn more about how our tent can be used for your school or institution! Most things can be arranged.
Call us at 86 84 99 44 or send an email to labyrinthia@labyrinthia.dk
In the Puzzle Center, you will find logic games, puzzles, and educational games in various difficulty levels. The old stable building has been converted into a cozy showroom or "Puzzle Center," as we also call it.
With over 50 different tasks and games, there is something for the whole family – from beginners to experienced players. Set aside plenty of time, as it can be hard to tear yourself away from the many exciting challenges once you're started!
