Terracotta Angel, c.1896
Watts Chapel, England

Photo ©: Jeff Saward/Labyrinthos

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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 during the 4th century. 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 new examples and replicas to the varied selection that survive to this day.

St.Regnus’ Church, Burt, Ireland

Photo ©: Jeff Saward/Labyrinthos

Church & Cathedral Labyrinths

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