 |
       |
 |
 |
Sibyl temple, on the crest of Shades Mountain, is a replica of the Temple of Sibyl in Rome, Italy. Built in the 1920's as a garden gazebo, it is the last remaining structure from the estate of George Ward, former Mayor of the City of Birmingham, 1905-1909 and 1913-1914. The Mayor's estate was located on what is now the site of Vestavia Hills Baptist Church on Shades Crest Road. The 20-acre estate held a commanding view of shades valley and was known for its marvelous gardens, which were unrivaled for their beauty.
Ward's home was a large circular structure built as a replica of the temple of the goddess "Vesta" in Tivoli, Italy near Rome. Vesta was the goddess of hearth and home, so naturally Ward called his estate "Vestavia" and it is from this that the City of Vestavia Hills took its name.
The garden gazebo was moved to its present site in the early 1970's by the
Vestavia Hills Garden Club and has been a special project of the garden club since that time. In 1985, Sibyl Temple was named a historical landmark by the Alabama Historical Commission and now appears in the Alabama Register of Landmarks.
The Sibyl Temple serves as the official logo for the City of Vestavia Hills and appears on all city vehicles and landmarks. The temple and its gardens continue to beautify the City of Vestavia Hills and leave a legacy for generations to come.
About Vestavia Hills Garden Club
Founded in 1948, The Vestavia Hills Garden Club is the oldest garden club in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Our 50 members continue to cooperate in the conservation of natural resources and protection of trees, plants and birds, take an active part in civic planting and beautification, stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening and maintain Vestavia's most famous landmark, The Sibyl Temple. Club members with diverse talents and interests come together monthly for educational and entertaining programs, tours and workshops. We also celebrate and support The Vestavia Hills Dogwood Festival, the oldest dogwood festival in the State of Alabama.
|
|
With Sibyl Temple as a backdrop, these
toga-clad young women entertain
guests at one of George Ward's famous
Roman-themed parties.
(Courtesy of Birmingham Public Library)
|
|
|
Return to Top
|
|