How relevant can the art of getting lost still be? In Italy, more than you might think. Across lagoon islands, historic parks and Alpine settings, mazes are once again becoming places to experience, photograph and talk about.
The following selection, covering Venice, Parma and Verona, brings together five mazes recognised for their appeal, history and originality, already popular with families and enthusiasts.
Borges Labyrinth, Venice
On the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, within the grounds of the Giorgio Cini Foundation, sits the Borges Labyrinth, dedicated to Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges. It is considered an intriguing place and is less familiar than many of Venice’s other landmarks, which adds to its appeal for those looking beyond the usual sights.
Its design lends itself to a reflective walk, where a literary reference meets the harmony of a historic garden.
The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, Merano
In Merano, South Tyrol, the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle provide a broad and varied experience, with the maze forming part of a larger design. Across 12 hectares, there are 80 botanical settings arranged into four themed areas, allowing time for exploring as well as pauses to take in the surroundings.
The maze adds a playful element to a route already full of viewpoints. It is worth allowing enough time to follow the thread through its sections, then enjoy the deliberate disorientation between its green walls.
The Gardens of Villa Pisani, Stra, Venice
In Stra, along the Brenta Riviera, the Gardens of Villa Pisani contain a park where the play of gardens and mazes brings out the monumental layout of the residence. Considered by many to be Italy’s most spectacular, the Villa Pisani maze is one of the country’s great classics.
Thousands of visitors make their way through it every year, drawn by its combination of history, surroundings and low-key entertainment.
Labirinto della Masone, Fontanellato, Parma
Opened in 2015 in Fontanellato, in the province of Parma, Labirinto della Masone is the largest maze in the world made from bamboo plants. Created by designer Franco Maria Ricci, it contains more than 200,000 plants representing at least 20 different species.
The route follows the traditional layout leading towards the centre, but its distinct star shape heightens the sense of junctions and retraced steps. Using bamboo rather than boxwood or hedge planting gives it a particular visual feel and a different rhythm, with shifting light and shade along the way.
Parco Giardino Sigurtà, Valeggio sul Mincio, Verona
At Parco Giardino Sigurtà in Valeggio sul Mincio, the maze is the main attraction and stands apart as a polirinto, with several possible exits. A small tower rises at its centre, acting as both an endpoint and a lookout, with a clear view over the patterns of the paths below.
It took seven years of planning and construction to create, which gives some sense of the care behind every bend. Today, the route is formed by more than 1,500 yew trees, chosen for their dense growth and consistently deep colour throughout the year.
Article originally published on Turisti per Caso: Non solo siepi: ecco i 5 labirinti più belli d’Italia dove perdersi tra storia e leggenda
