Labyrinths and mazes can be found around the world and they are important cultural works, offering rich insights into our history and the human psyche. In Greek mythology, the labyrinth was designed by Daedalus to imprison the Minotaur; but the labyrinth serves a symbolic meaning, as well. “Walking the labyrinth” is said to be a deeply personal and revealing meditative experience by which a person gains insights into their true nature.
Mazes, by contrast, are designed to be a strategic challenge; they are one of humankind’s original physical puzzle games. Unlike a labyrinth, which is designed to be contemplative but easy to complete, a maze is intentionally difficult to navigate. Both labyrinths and mazes symbolically reveal two sides of the human spirit: complexity and simplicity; mystery and design; intuition and sensory experience. They are emblematic of the eternal philosophical tension between free will and fate. Here are some of the most complex, beautiful, and creative mazes and labyrinths around the world.
Dole Plantation
The world’s longest maze is at the Dole Plantation on Oahu, Hawai’i. Comprised of 11,400 tropical native plants and covering 3.11 miles.
Reignac-sur-Indre
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
Snakes ‘n Ladders
Davis Mega Maze
Longleat
Ashcombe
Richardson Castle
Hampton Court Maze
The Imprint
Grace Cathedral
The Movie
Victoria Park Water Maze
Brick Maze of Capri
Villa Pisani
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