Cape Town labyrinths

Cape Town Tourism has a list of local labyrinths.

Labyrinths are a common element in many different cultures, with earliest records dating back 3 500 years.

Cape Town Tourism has a list of local labyrinths. Contact us on +27 (0)21 487 6800 for further information.

What is a labyrinth?
People often confuse labyrinths and mazes, but the difference between the two is really quite simple. Unlike a maze, which may have dead ends and dividing paths, a labyrinth has an entrance or mouth that leads to a single, circuitous path with a central point.

History
Over the past few thousand years, people of various cultures and civilisations have created labyrinths from rock, ceramic, clay, mosaic and on manuscript. Although there are many modern variations on traditional labyrinths, the two most common traditional types are the Chartres and classic-seven labyrinths.

Modern-day labyrinths
Nowadays churches and retreat centres are opening labyrinth walks to the public for prayer, meditation, contemplation or personal growth.

Cape Town labyrinths
• The Oude Molen classical labyrinth in the Oude Molen Village, on Alexander Road (opposite the train station) in Pinelands, is always open and entry is free. The site also features an eco-village, where local artists are based.

• The St George’s Cathedral labyrinth is a paved, medieval Chartres replica, located in the cathedral’s courtyard. Find it in the city centre, at the top end of St George’s Mall (and at the top of Adderley Street and just below the Company’s Garden). The labyrinth is accessible during office hours or by arrangement with the cathedral office.

• Kalk Bay medieval labyrinth at 304 Main Road, Kalk Bay, lies across the road from the beach at the junction of Kalk Bay, Clovelly and Fish Hoek. The labyrinth is on private property, but visitors are welcome and entry is free. Call Joanna Castle to arrange on +27 (0)21 782 4040 or or email her at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).