Borges Labyrinth (San Giorgio) Venice
Discover the Borges Labyrinth and serene island of San Giorgio Maggiore, a tranquil escape with stunning Venetian views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Borges Labyrinth (San Giorgio) Venice
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the Borges Labyrinth and serene island of San Giorgio Maggiore, a tranquil escape with stunning Venetian views.
"A peaceful oasis with breathtaking views, offering a unique labyrinth experience away from the crowds."
🎯 Vaporetto is Key
Take Line 2 from San Marco to reach San Giorgio Maggiore easily. :ferry:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Borges Labyrinth
San Giorgio Maggiore Island
Wander through this unique hedge maze, a tribute to writer Jorge Luis Borges and his philosophical tales. A peaceful, contemplative experience.
+1
San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower
San Giorgio Maggiore Island
Ascend for breathtaking panoramic views of Venice and the lagoon, a less crowded alternative to St. Mark's Campanile.
San Giorgio Maggiore Church
San Giorgio Maggiore Island
Admire Palladio's architectural masterpiece, a serene and beautiful church offering a quiet respite.
Planning Your Visit
Escape the Crowds on San Giorgio Maggiore
Plan Your Island Hop
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Vaporetto is Key
Take Line 2 from San Marco to reach San Giorgio Maggiore easily. :ferry:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
The bell tower offers incredible, less-crowded photo ops of Venice. :camerawithflash:
🤫 Seek Tranquility
The labyrinth is a quiet spot for reflection, a welcome break from busy Venice.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Vaporetto is Key
Take Line 2 from San Marco to reach San Giorgio Maggiore easily. :ferry:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
The bell tower offers incredible, less-crowded photo ops of Venice. :camerawithflash:
🤫 Seek Tranquility
The labyrinth is a quiet spot for reflection, a welcome break from busy Venice.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise San Giorgio Maggiore for its tranquility and stunning views, offering a peaceful escape from Venice's crowds. The Borges Labyrinth is a unique, contemplative highlight, while the bell tower provides breathtaking panoramas. Some find the island less developed than central Venice, but its serene atmosphere is a major draw. +2
"The maze is 1km to walk thru. There is a wonderful story behind the maze that the tour explains.
Booking the tour is the only way to walk through the maze also"
cando2008au Compton
"This was a beautiful experience. There is a small tour which gives you enough information to inform and make the experience meaningful, but the tour guide allows you to experience the walk and music with yourself. The music composed specifically for the walk through the labyrinth is gorgeous, and walking quietly through while listening is a meditative experience, even if you are not a Borges readers. It was lightly raining, with sun, while we were there which added to the beauty!
We did this as a paired tour with the Vatican Chapels, and together they were an excellent experience.
We would love to experience it in another season, and will probably go back! Thank you!
Know before you go:
-You must book a ticket in advance through the Cini Foundation website.
-This is a symbolic labyrinth, not meant to be like a tourist corn maze or the like, more akin to a meditation garden.
-You should bring your own headphones if you can."
Alissa Shelton
"Fabulous and mostly undiscovered addition to Venice. Quick trip from San Zachariah across the bay to the Island. Reservation for the Labyrinth required (with good reason - too many people would spoil the magic). No reservation needed for the bell tower, but do bring cash for the elevator ticket. I think it was 10 euro."
Brian Babst
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Borges Labyrinth is located on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. The easiest way to get there is by taking Vaporetto Line 2 from San Marco Giardinetti or Rialto, which stops directly at San Giorgio. The journey is short and offers lovely views of the lagoon.
Absolutely! San Giorgio Maggiore is a peaceful oasis away from the main tourist throngs. Besides the Borges Labyrinth, you can visit the stunning San Giorgio Maggiore church designed by Palladio and climb the bell tower for unparalleled panoramic views of Venice. +1
The Vaporetto stop you need is 'San Giorgio'. Line 2 is the most direct route from the main islands of Venice.
No, San Giorgio Maggiore is an island across the St. Mark's Basin. You must take a Vaporetto or a water taxi to reach it. Walking is not an option.
From San Marco Giardinetti, the Vaporetto ride to San Giorgio Maggiore typically takes about 5-10 minutes. It's a very quick and scenic trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Borges Labyrinth itself is generally free, but it's always a good idea to check for any seasonal changes or special events. Access to the San Giorgio Maggiore church is also usually free, though donations are appreciated.
Yes, there is a fee to ascend the San Giorgio Maggiore bell tower. It's a small price to pay for the incredible views, and it's often less crowded than the Campanile in St. Mark's Square.
The opening hours can vary depending on the season and specific events. It's best to check the official website or local information boards upon arrival for the most up-to-date hours. Generally, it's open during daylight hours.
While there might not be specific 'combined tickets' for just the labyrinth and church, purchasing a ticket for the bell tower is a separate cost. The church and labyrinth are often free to access.
The Borges Labyrinth is typically only accessible during daylight hours. It's an outdoor hedge maze, and access is usually restricted after sunset for safety and maintenance.
📸 📸 Photography
The labyrinth itself offers unique perspectives as you navigate its paths. For wider shots, find vantage points outside the maze to capture its circular design. The surrounding gardens also provide lovely photo opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed inside the San Giorgio Maggiore church, but it's important to be respectful. Avoid using flash, especially during services, and be mindful of other visitors.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful warm light and softer shadows, making for stunning panoramic shots of Venice. Early morning can also be good for fewer crowds and clear light.
Yes, drone usage is heavily restricted in Venice and its surrounding islands due to air traffic regulations and privacy concerns. It's highly unlikely you'll be able to fly a drone legally or safely here. Always check current regulations before attempting. :noentrysign:
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the church and the panoramic views from the bell tower. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general sightseeing. If you plan on taking detailed shots of the labyrinth's patterns, a macro lens could be useful, though not essential. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 It's a great spot for them to burn off some energy in a safe, contained environment. Remember to bring snacks and water, as facilities on the island are limited. The Vaporetto ride itself can also be an adventure for younger travelers. 📚 Book Lovers & Philosophers
+1📸 Photographers & View Seekers
+1 However, the real photographic gem is the bell tower. The panoramic views of St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, and the Grand Canal from here are simply spectacular, especially during the golden hour. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Philosophy of the Borges Labyrinth
+1 The very act of navigating its winding paths can be seen as a metaphor for life's journey, with its unexpected turns and dead ends. This unique installation encourages a moment of introspection, a stark contrast to the often overwhelming sensory experience of central Venice. It's a place to slow down, get a little lost, and perhaps find a new perspective. The dedication to Borges, a master of intricate narratives and philosophical puzzles, makes this a must-visit for literature enthusiasts and anyone seeking a more contemplative travel experience.
San Giorgio Maggiore: An Architectural Gem and Panoramic Viewpoint
Beyond the church, the island boasts a bell tower that rivals the famous Campanile in St. Mark's Square. Ascending this tower provides breathtaking 360-degree views of Venice, the Venetian Lagoon, and the surrounding islands. It's often a less crowded alternative, allowing for a more relaxed appreciation of the cityscape.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit