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Chartres
cathedral is famous for its Labyrinths. The most
famous labyrinth is at Chartres Cathedral. The
labyrinth at Chartres was built around 1200 and is laid into
the floor in a style sometimes referred to as a pavement
maze. The original center piece has been removed and other
areas of the labyrinth have been restored. This labyrinth
was meant to be walked but is reported to be not used today.
In the past, it could be walked as a pilgrimage or for
repentance. As a pilgrimage it was a searching journey with
the hope of becoming closer to God. When used for repentance
the pilgrims would walk on their knees. Sometimes this
eleven-circuit labyrinth would serve as a substitute for an
actual pilgrimage to Jerusalem and as a result came to be
called the "Chemin de Jerusalem" or Road of Jerusalem. In
walking the Chartres style labyrinth the walker meanders
through each of the four quadrants several times before
reaching the goal. An expectancy is created as to when the
center will be reached. At the center is a rosette design
which has a rich symbolic value including that of
enlightenment. The four arms of the cross are readily
visible and provide significant Christian symbolism.
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