Labyrinth of Rome

The Labyrinth of Rome was created as an adaptive reuse of what originally built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s as an erosion control pond. Later it was utilized as an amphitheater by folk artists in the 60’s and 70’s as a space for reading poetry and playing music.

Upon finding the nearest Labyrinth to be 50 miles away, the late Ed Baker worked with local government to establish this corner of Rome’s historic Jackson Hill. It contains 5,490 bricks (laid end-to-end, over a kilometer) weighing a total of 24,705 pounds.

Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has only one path and the intention is not to confuse, but rather to help one focus. The path into the center is a search for your true self as the stresses and concerns of the world slip away from your consciousness. This particular labyrinth is a bit more strenuous than most as it is on different levels, not unlike how we live our lives. As you follow the path, you will turn toward the center many times and then away again, not unlike a sailboat tacking against the wind. Have faith that the path will take you to the destination and enjoy the journey.

Walking a labyrinth is a form of meditation: sacred breath, sacred step. Pause if you like at the center and enjoy the feeling of peace, breathing slowly but deeply, your feet firmly planted on the stone that connects you with Mother Earth.