Borges Labyrinth on San Giorgio Island Opens to Public for First Time

The Borges Labyrinth, located on the Island of San Giorgio in Venice, will open to the public for the first time on June 11, 2021. Created in 2011 by the Fondazione Giorgio Cini based on a design by English architect Randoll Coate, the labyrinth is a tribute to Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges and his story "The Garden of Forking Paths." Commissioned by Borges' widow Maria Kodama, the labyrinth features over 3,200 boxwood plants arranged to form symbols referencing Borges' works, including a staff, mirrors, hourglasses, a question mark, a tiger, the name Jorge Luis, and Maria Kodama's initials. Previously only viewable from above, visitors will now be able to walk through the labyrinth accompanied by a specially composed soundtrack by Antonio Fresa, performed by the Orchestra of Teatro La Fenice. The opening coincides with the labyrinth's tenth anniversary, the 35th anniversary of Borges' death, and the 70th anniversary of the Fondazione Giorgio Cini. Visits require reservation via www.visitcini.com and are available daily except Wednesdays. The project is part of valorization activities led by Ilaria D'Uva, whose company D'Uva manages hospitality and guided tours at the Fondazione Giorgio Cini, the Vatican Chapels wood, and the labyrinth.