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Terracotta Angel, c.1896Watts Chapel, England

Photo ©: Jeff Saward/Labyrinthos

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Labyrinthos Photographic & Illustration Library

Undoubtedly the best known labyrinth of its type, the beautifully preservedpavement labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral, France, was constructed duringthe second decade of the 13th century. The labyrinth is 12.9 metres (42.3ft.) in diameter and fills the width of the nave. While much has beenwritten about the purpose of this labyrinth, little contemporarydocumentation survives, although it is known that labyrinths in the Frenchcathedrals were the scene of Easter dances carried out by the clergy. It isalso popularly assumed that they symbolise the long tortuous path thatpilgrims would have followed to visit this, and other shrines andcathedrals, during the medieval period.

The Labyrinth from the organ loft

Photo ©: Jeff Saward/Labyrinthos

The Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth

The Cathedral Candlelight labyrinth View from pulpit

View from organ loft Labyrinth and nave Cathedral by night

Plan of the Labyrinth Candlelit Labyrinth

Current interest ensures that this labyrinth continues to receive visits from pilgrims to this day, althoughmany are surprised to find the labyrinth often covered with chairs. At the moment, the labyrinth is usuallyuncovered on Fridays, during the summer months only.

Below are a selection of photos of the labyrinth and some additional shots of the Cathedral.

Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth http://www.labyrinthos.net/photo_library14.html

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have a separate page of images of these labyrinths - click here to see some of our collection.

We also have graphics and line illustrations of various 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 in high resolution digitalformats for licensed reproduction. For details of reproduction fees and permission procedures,send us an e-mail with details of your planned usage and format requirements.

Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth http://www.labyrinthos.net/photo_library14.html

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