Stone labyrinths of Bolshoi Zayatsky Island, Ancient stone labyrinths in Solovetsky District, Russia
The western section of Bolshoi Zayatsky Island contains fourteen stone labyrinths constructed from locally gathered boulders arranged in spiral patterns.
Archaeological research indicates these structures were built during the Middle Ages, featuring intricate patterns that span between 6 to 25 meters in diameter.
Local inhabitants refer to these structures as vavilons, which translates to Babylons, suggesting their deep integration into regional folklore and traditions.
Each labyrinth contains a single entrance point that also functions as the exit, with most openings oriented toward the southern direction.
The site holds the highest concentration of ancient labyrinths globally, accompanied by over 850 boulder formations across the island.
Location: Solovetsky District
GPS coordinates: 64.97050,35.66480
Latest update: March 3, 2025 02:33
Labyrinths have been part of human architecture for thousands of years, serving religious, meditative, and decorative purposes. Chartres Cathedral preserves one of the most famous medieval floor mosaics in Europe, guiding pilgrims along a 13-meter-wide path made of blue and white stones. English castles like Hampton Court developed hedge mazes from the 16th century onward as part of their formal gardens, while Italian Renaissance villas integrated geometric stone patterns into their terraces. The collection also includes underground structures such as the Paris Catacombs, whose winding passages were originally quarries, or the Roman cisterns of Istanbul with their rows of columns. Each era and region developed its own techniques: medieval stonework in cathedrals, baroque garden architecture with trimmed hedges, or pre-Columbian temple complexes with ritual pathways. These sites document various construction methods, from laying colored stone mosaics to creating multi-level garden courses to constructing underground vaults. They offer insights into historical craftsmanship and the symbolic meaning of the labyrinth across different cultures.
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