The concept of a maze is central to Jorge Luis Borges’ work, representing the complexity of the world. Borges, an Argentine writer, often used the maze as a metaphor for the infinite, destiny, and human dimension. His poem and references to mazes in his other works, such as “The Garden of Forking Paths,” showcase the significance of this theme.
Mazes Inspired by Borges
Two of the most beautiful mazes in the world, located in Italy, are directly inspired by Borges’ work. The Labirinto della Masone, created in Fontanellato, near Parma, and the Labirinto Borges, located in the Fondazione Cini on the Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, are testaments to the author’s enduring influence.
The Labirinto Borges was created by architect and diplomat Randoll Coate in 2011 and has recently undergone a conservative restoration, financed by PwC Italia. The maze’s internal pathways have attracted over 25,000 visitors, according to Renata Codello, Secretary General of the Fondazione Giorgio Cini.
The Labirinto Borges
The Labirinto Borges is designed as a large, open book, with the name “Borges” written in the center, reflected in a mirror. This design is inspired by Borges’ short story “The Garden of Forking Paths.” The maze is a union of ancient and contemporary elements, architecture, and literature, set amidst a beautiful setting.
The first version of the Labirinto Borges was created in 2003 in Argentina, at the request of Borges’ widow, Maria Kodama. The Venice iteration adds a touch of magic to the project, as the city was a favorite of Borges.
The Labirinto della Masone, on the other hand, is the largest maze in the world, covering an area of 8 hectares. It was created by Franco Maria Ricci, a friend of Borges, and features a design inspired by the ideal city of Renaissance art. The maze is made up of 300,000 bamboo plants of various species, chosen for their sustainability.
The Labirinto Arnaldo Pomodoro
A third maze, the Labirinto Arnaldo Pomodoro, is located in Milan and was created by the artist Arnaldo Pomodoro. The maze is a synthesis of Pomodoro’s artistic and creative journey, realized over the course of his life. It is inspired by a theme that is also present in Borges’ work, such as in his use of original spirit in his literary works.
These three mazes, inspired by Borges’ work, offer a unique experience for visitors, inviting them to reflect on the themes of complexity, infinity, and human dimension that are central to the author’s oeuvre, much like innovation is key to culinary art.
They are a tribute to Borges’ legacy.
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