Labyrinthos Photo Library

Church & Cathedral Labyrinths

The adoption of the labyrinth by the Christian faith began during the Roman period. The first known pavement labyrinth with obvious Christian context is found in a basilica in Algeria. At first the labyrinth appeared mainly in manuscripts, but during the 12th century they began to appear in cathedrals and churches in Italy and during the 13th century spread to France, where many fine examples were constructed. Although the pavement labyrinths are well-known, other examples formed of tiles and carved in stone are also found. They soon became popular across Europe, but many were destroyed from the 17th century onwards as tastes changed. Despite these losses, a revival of interest during the late 19th century, restored a few lost examples and added a number of replicas to the varied selection that survive to this day.


*St.Quentin, France*	*Lucca, Italy*

*St.Omer, France*	*Amiens, France*

*Stone slab, Genainville, France*	*Floor tiles, Mirepoix, France*

*Floor tiles, Chalon-sur-Marne, France*	*Glazed tiles, Bayeux, France*

*Guingamp, France*	*Guingamp, France*

*Roof boss, Redcliffe, England*	*Carved stone, Rathmore, Ireland*

Ely, England	Itchen Stoke, England

Alkborough, England	Alkborough, England

*Compton, England*	*Compton, England*

*Compton, England*	*Burt, Ireland*

*GentTown Hall, Belgium*	*Hern St.Hubert, Belgium*

Looking for photographs and plans of the Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth? We have a separate page of images of this wonderful and important labyrinth - click here.

We also have graphics and line illustrations of church and cathedral labyrinths available - click here to see some of our collection.

All of the images on this page (and many more besides!) are available for licenced reproduction. For details of reproduction fees and permission proceedures, send us an e-mail with details of your planned usage and format requirements.