A single path

The cement bricks unravel in a pattern so logical, yet puzzling. There’s only one way in and your mission is to find it.

Confused? I’m talking about the classic labyrinth, one more example of interesting public space in Toronto.

Just behind the Eaton Centre, within the boundaries of Trinity Square, lies a maze-like area of medieval quality – a labyrinth.

A labyrinth is said to differ from a maze in that the labyrinth has only one path to the centre. This is called a Eulerian path - a path that uses each edge exactly once.

A labyrinth is said to have an unambiguous route to the centre and back and should not be difficult to navigate as it is a place of meditation, not confusion.

Historically, it’s been said that labyrinths were used as traps for evil spirits or as paths for ritual dances. The path of a labyrinth is a symbol of one’s journey through life

These great pieces of architecture and landscape can also be thought of as symbolic forms of gathering where people come to walk the path and ascend towards enlightenment.

At one time, people could not afford to travel to places of worship so they used labyrinths as their place of prayer.

The labyrinth at Trinity Square is fully accessible and is used by many for both entertainment and as a meditative tool to create a sense of relaxation and isolation as one enters the labyrinth and makes his way to the centre where people have placed coins to mark their presence or perhaps to make a wish.

If peaceful problem solving or contemplation is what you're looking for, find your way to the labyrinth.