What does the maze in Amiens Cathedral represent?

A road to God has been drawn on the Cathedral floor. It is a Sacred Maze. People would wander, stray and get lost until they reached the centre of the maze, a sacred place. The maze represents a long pilgrimage.

Does Notre Dame have a labyrinth?

The labyrinth at the Cathedral of Notre Dame at Chartres was constructed during the first decades of the thirteenth century and is nearly thirteen metres in diameter.

What is a Chartres labyrinth?

The labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral dates back to 1205, when monks used it for contemplative moments. These days, it’s one of the world’s best-known labyrinths. Pilgrims still come from around the world to traverse it—but only on Fridays during the summer, when it’s not covered with chairs for church services.

How did they medieval builders support the columns at Amiens?

But could iron rescue Amiens Cathedral? Builders make an enormous metal chain of linked iron bars. The chain runs inside the wall, along the entire length of the cathedral, to hold its central columns in place. STEPHEN MURRAY: The chain was installed red-hot, so that it would contract and pull inwards.

What was special about the Amiens Cathedral?

Amiens Cathedral, in the heart of Picardy, is one of the largest ‘classic’ Gothic churches of the 13th century. It is notable for the coherence of its plan, the beauty of its three-tier interior elevation and the particularly fine display of sculptures on the principal facade and in the south transept.

Why was Amiens Cathedral such an important building?

Why was Amiens Cathedral such an important building? It housed the relics of Saint John the Baptist.

What is the most famous labyrinth?

The Labyrinth of Crete The most famous labyrinth is found in Greek mythology in the story of Theseus, prince of Athens. This labyrinth was designed by Daedalus for King Minos of Knossos on Crete to contain the ferocious half-man/half-bull known as the Minotaur.

What’s the difference between a labyrinth and maze?

The difference between mazes and labyrinths is that labyrinths have a single continuous path which leads to the centre, and as long as you keep going forward, you will get there eventually. Mazes have multiple paths which branch off and will not necessarily lead to the centre.

Why is the Amiens Cathedral important?

The cathedral at Amiens was the site of several noteworthy events, including the marriage of Charles VI to Isabella of Bavaria in 1385. Despite heavy fighting around Amiens during World Wars I and II, the cathedral escaped serious damage. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981.