Borges Labyrinth

Composed of box hedges which, arranged in a precise shape, reproduce the name "Borges"

Il "Borges Labyrinth" it is an installation dedicated to the famous Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges¹, located on theIsland of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice. Inaugurated in 2011 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the writer's death, the labyrinth was designed by the English architect Randol Coate².

This labyrinth is composed of box hedges (3250 plants) which, arranged in a precise shape, reproduce the name "Borges" and numerous symbols associated with his work, such as books, sticks and hourglasses. The labyrinth is inspired by the story "The garden of the forking paths", one of Borges' most famous works, in which the themes of time, infinity and the complexity of life's paths are intertwined.

Il bosso (Buxus sempervirens), is an evergreen plant widely used in the creation of labyrinths due to its resistance, longevity and ability to maintain a compact and well-defined shape with pruning. Box hedges allow for the creation of intricate and well-defined paths, which in the case of the labyrinth dedicated to Borges reproduce symbols and letters inspired by the work and life of the great Argentine writer.

The location of the labyrinth, on the island which also hosts the Giorgio Cini Foundation³, helps to create a contemplative and intellectual atmosphere, a perfect homage to the thought and writing of Borges, who often dealt with themes related to the mystery, the enigma and the complexity of the universe.

If you are planning to visit Venice and you are an admirer of Borges, this installation could be a suggestive and fascinating stop!

1. Jorge Luis Borges (1899-1986) was one of the most influential and celebrated writers of the XNUMXth century, best known for his short stories, essays, and poems that explore themes such as infinity, time, identity, the labyrinth, and the universe as an enigma. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Borges is considered a central figure in Latin American and world literature.

2. Randol Coate (1909-2005) was a British diplomat and world-renowned maze designer. After serving in the British diplomatic service, he devoted himself full-time to the art of the maze, creating works that combine elements of design, symbolism and philosophy. Coate is best known for his intricate mazes that incorporate hidden meanings and cultural, literary or mythological references.
His most famous collaboration was with Adrian Fisher, one of the most prolific contemporary maze designers. Together, Coate and Fisher have created a number of unique mazes around the world, including the celebrated "Borges Labyrinth" on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, designed in honor of the great Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges.

Coate's work is characterized by the use of hidden symbols and shapes that tell a story or pay homage to historical figures or literary figures. Often his labyrinths are seen as an intellectual and meditative experience, rather than simply as an exercise in orientation.
In addition to the "Borges Labyrinth", Coate has designed numerous other labyrinths in various parts of the world, some of which include references to particular historical figures, artists or cultural themes.

3. The Giorgio Cini Foundation It is an important cultural institution based on theIsland of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice. Founded in 1951 by Count Victor Cini in memory of the son George Cini, who tragically died in a plane crash in 1949, the foundation aims to promote culture and redevelop the island's artistic and architectural heritage.

In addition to hosting the Borges Labyrinth, the foundation is a nerve centre for Venetian culture, a meeting place between tradition and innovation, where scholars, artists and intellectuals discuss the great themes of contemporary culture.