Italian Labyrinths
The labyrinths of Italy are located primarily in the northern and central parts of the peninsula. Much smaller than their French cousins, the labyrinths of Italy are nonetheless beautiful, and their use of mosaics and various marbles point to a continuation of themes found in late-Classical expression. This was the home of Rome and civilization; nobody wanted to see a giant Gothic, barbaric, monstrosity in their church and as such the labyrinths reflect this attitude. Additionally, the labyrinths of Italy make stronger connections between the Greek legend of Theseus and the Minotaur and with Christ’s victory over the death than their French relatives, and this connection is often illustrated or described within the labyrinth itself. Having said that, Italian labyrinths are similar to French ones in that both utilize the Cretan model, and oftentimes the they would employ the Chartres-type pattern. Confusing at first, perhaps this can be reasoned in that the Christianization process and the labyrinthine evolution made this model distinctly Christian, which in the end, was probably better than being merely “Roman.”
Italian Labyrinths
