The Labyrinth of Chartres Cathedral
The labyrinth at Chartres is near the entrance of the West Facade, and is one of the few and best-preserved labyrinths in Europe. It symbolized the pilgrim's journey of faith, and pilgrims often walked it on their knees. There are no dead ends in the labyrinth, and although one goes forwards and backwards, and twists and turns, one ultimately winds up in the center. The center symbolizes the union of the human soul with God, and of the ultimate goal of each pilgrim's journey through life. Just as in life one has pleasant times and jas well as difficult times, so too, in one's journey of faith there are bounteous rewards reached only after many trials and tribulations. The labyrinth is a journey of hope, which carries the pilgrim, no matter which path they take, to one's center with God.
If you would like to further explore labyrinths, check out the following sites:
has a brief history of labyrinths, and some examples.
Grace Cathedral Labyrinth Locator
find one near you!
copyright © Dr. Deborah Vess 1998-2001, Georgia College & State University and the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. All rights reserved. Rights to chapters authored by contributing faculty members reserved to Georgia College & State University, to the Interdisciplinary Studies Program at GC&SU, and to the individual faculty authors.