Ariadne – September 28, 2026 

  • Lucca: Day 3 (Travel Day 19)
  • Weather 55-85° / sunny & winds 5-10 mph

Carved into the portico of Lucca’s Cathedral of San Martino is a circular labyrinth with the Latin inscription, “The labyrinth was built by Dedalius of Crete; all who entered therein were lost except, save Theseus, thanks to Ariadne’s thread.” 

Positioned along the Via Francigena the labyrinth serves as a meditative guide for pilgrims on their way to Rome. Could there be a more perfect place to begin a 250 mile walk to Rome? 

Carved Labyrinth
Inside the Cathedral is a chapel containing a carved wooden statue recognized as the oldest surviving wooden statue in Western Europe.
Traditional claims the statue was carved by Nicodemus, a follower of Jesus.

Leave a comment