The Biggest Labyrinth in the World
This project is one of the most bizarre, impressive, extravagant and captivating I’ve ever seen. The legendary publisher and collector Franco Maria Ricci surprised the whole Italy (and perhaps the world?) by his decision to build the biggest labyrinth on the planet. The project was executed by architect Pier Carlo Bontempi and it is about to be completed. The garden of bamboo trees is made in the shape of eight-pointed star – this element was often used in the Renaissance architecture.
The garden is located around Ricci’s house in the village Fontanellato, north of Italy. It took him eight years to grow it and very soon it will be opened to public.
Why labyrinth? Here is how collector explains it himself:
“Labyrinths have always fascinated me. Along with gardens, they are the most ancient fantasies of mankind. The Garden, or Eden – so nice as Adam and Eve, fresh by nature, continued to surprised the eyes – they represent innocence and happiness. Labyrinth, however, is the creation of Power and a source of disturbance. It reflects the complexity of experiences we have in reality.”
The idea to build Labyrinth came in Ricci’s mind almost twenty years ago, when he welcomed in his house his old friend and partner, argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges – this was always one of his favourite themes.
As opposed to king Minos, who built his labyrinth with cruel intentions, Franco Maria Ricci wanted to create a tender garden, where people would walk and enjoy it.
The complex is interesting not only because of the labyrinth (though of course it is the culmination of the whole project), but also extraordinary architectural structures around it. The main entrance is built in the form of triumphal arch with a pyramid behind.
The labyrinth covers more than 5000 square meters, and I believe after it is open for visitors, no one should be allowed there without a cell phone…
