14 Mesmerizing Mazes and Labyrinths

Since antiquity, mazes and labyrinths have been places of spiritual reflection and deep contemplation. The famous Egyptian Labyrinth at Hawara was built around 1860 BCE during the reign of Pharaoh Amenemhat III, though 2D depictions of the classic seven-circuit design appear as early as 2000 BCE in clay tablets from the Mediterranean. Mazes, too, have origins in ancient Egypt, primarily serving to keep looters away from the tombs of the important and wealthy. Over hundreds of centuries, these structures have persisted in our cultural consciousness, embraced across the globe by bands of Vikings in Scandinavia, aristocrats in 18th-century Spain, eccentric elites in 1970s England, and bar owners in modern-day Vietnam. Whether you seek a mental challenge or simply a quiet place to retreat from the world, these mazes and labyrinths around the world are well worth a visit. What Is the Difference Between a Maze and a Labyrinth? A labyrinth consists of one winding, curved passage that ultimately leads to a central point. While it may take a while to walk through, you will arrive at the center without getting lost or needing to backtrack. A maze, meanwhile, is designed as a puzzle, with mu…