The Labyrinth of Villa Pisani: A Historical Maze That Stumped Napoleon
2025-04-22
Villa Pisani in Stra, Italy, boasts one of Europe's largest and most intricate labyrinths, famed for its appearance in Gabriele D'Annunzio's novel 'The Flame' and its challenging design. Built in the 18th century for the Pisani family, the villa and its labyrinth have a rich history, passing through the hands of Napoleon, the Habsburgs, and the Savoy dynasty before becoming a museum. The maze's single path to the center, filled with dead ends, is notoriously difficult, even reportedly stumping Napoleon and Mussolini. Today, visitors can experience the historical charm and puzzling challenge of this remarkable labyrinth.