S t o u r h e a d

T h e  T e m p l e  o f  A p o l l o

Henry Flitcroft's final addition to Stourhead was the magnificent Temple of Apollo or Temple of the sun. It was completed in 1765. It dominates the top of a hill overlooking the lake and the gardens. It was based on a temple at Baalbec Syria. This city was called Heliopolis by the Greeks, 'the city of the sun'.
It is another classical domed Rotunda Greek temple, quite similar in design to the temple of Ancient Virtue at Stowe, but with deep, circular and tall arched recesses around the entire edifice.

The Portico's columns are crowned with decorations. But unlike Stowe's temple, it culminates into segmented, beautifully arched open sections of noble design. Two statues set once again in arched niches flank the entrance.

This temple is dedicated to Apollo the sun god. The sanctum inside is painted a brilliant shade of red, with several, possibly greek statues and urns set around its walls on marble plinths.

The National Trust allow civil marriage ceremonies to take place inside with a capacity of thirty persons. A truly marvellous setting for any wedding.

This is the view to greet a couple newly married at the temple on a summer's afternoon. The Obelisk can just be seen rising above the tree line.

             

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