S t o w e  G a r d e n s

T h e   T e m p l e   o f   V e n u s

Following the gravel path from the Hermitage, visitors arrive at the Temple of Venus, at the most southeastern point of the gardens. The bastion on which the Temple stands is semi circular, as is the building. It was the first of William Kent's buildings he completed for Stowe, added around 1731-1732, and was often referred to as "Kent's Building". It is a Palladian Villa with a central pediment-ed block with an Ionic portico. This is connected by quadrant arcades, to two flanking rusticated pavilions, also pediment-ed and constructed from large, smooth stones. William Kent's inspiration for his later design of the Temple of British Worthies, may have come from this Temple, as its semi circular design is strikingly similar.

The central room once contained somewhat risqué murals, again by Sleter from Spencer's "Faerie Queene". The four busts visible in niches around the doorway in the central block, are of Cleopatra, Faustina, Nero and Vespasian. Above the door is an inscription, "Veneri Hortensi", Venus of the Garden.

Today, the Temple is used as a venue to conduct civil marriage services throughout the Summer months.

The visitor now begins to head in a westerly direction along a path known as Warden's Walk, passing the Copper Bottom Cascade -which conceals a waterwheel- on their left.

 

 

 

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