The symbol of Labyrinth has been successfully adopted by Christianity.
In the Middle Ages, the labyrinth moved from manuscripts to the pavement of churches: as a mosaic, it became particularly popular in Italy in the 13th century, and from there it spread throughout Europe. Many wonderful labyrinths were created in Northern France at that time, in the Gothic cathedrals of Sains, Arras, Amiens, Reims and elsewhere. Unfortunately, most of them were destroyed in the 18th century.
One of the earliest labyrinths in Europe, and probably the most famous in the world, is in Chartres Cathedral in France. It dates back to 1215-1221. This limestone labyrinth has a diameter of 12.89 m, a path width of 0.34 m and a total length of 261.50 m. It is impossible to get lost in the labyrinth, as the only path leading to the centre is the only one without dead ends or forks.
The museum's exhibition hall displays the equivalent of this labyrinth from Chartres Cathedral, but with a slightly smaller diameter.
The reasons and the circumstances why such labyrinths appeared on the pavement of Gothic cathedrals are not known for certain. They were certainly walked through. Written sources suggest that the labyrinth was particularly important in the Easter liturgy. The bishop of the cathedral, together with the clergy or pilgrims, would perform a kind of Easter dance: moving to a certain rhythm, they would keep throwing a ball upwards, as if it were a symbol of the sun rising higher and higher after the equinox, and thus of the risen Christ.
The early Middle Ages saw a great popularity of pilgrimages to holy sites. They were also intended as penance for sins. The most popular pilgrimage destinations were the Holy Land with Jerusalem, Rome and St. Peter's Square. The tomb of St James in Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Interestingly, Chartres was one of the places where those preparing to travel to St. John of God gathered. James' Way. The labyrinth in this cathedral could be a real pilgrimage, taking a pilgrim about an hour to complete. The labyrinth was called the road to Jerusalem - chemin de Jérusalem in French.
