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Vestavia Temple of Sibyl

Discover a Roman-inspired architectural gem in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, offering stunning views and a glimpse into local history and the area's unique charm.

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The Vestavia Temple of Sibyl, located in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, is a unique landmark offering a blend of classical architecture and local history. A replica of the Temple of Sibyl in Tivoli, Italy, it provides scenic views of Shades Valley.

A brief summary to Vestavia Temple of Sibyl

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during sunset for breathtaking views of Shades Valley.
  • Check the Vestavia Hills event calendar, as the Temple is a popular venue for weddings and small gatherings.
  • Explore the surrounding gardens maintained by the Vestavia Hills Garden Club.
  • Note that parking can be limited during peak times or events.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    If driving from downtown Vestavia Hills, head north on Montgomery Highway (US-31). The Temple of Sibyl will be on your right, approximately 2 miles from the city center. On-site parking is available, though it can be limited during peak times or events.

  • Public Transport

    The BJCTA MAX bus route 31 serves Vestavia Hills. From the Vestavia City Center stop (Hwy 31 and Kentucky Ave), it's approximately a 20-minute walk north along Montgomery Highway to the Temple of Sibyl. A single ride fare is $2. Consider ride-sharing services for the final leg if walking is not preferred.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in Vestavia Hills or nearby Homewood, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) is a convenient option. A typical ride from downtown Vestavia Hills to the Temple of Sibyl costs approximately $10-$15.

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Discover more about Vestavia Temple of Sibyl

The Vestavia Temple of Sibyl is an iconic landmark in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, offering visitors a unique blend of classical architecture and local history. Perched atop Shades Mountain, this elegant structure provides breathtaking views of the surrounding Shades Valley, serving as a serene escape. Originally constructed in 1929, the Temple of Sibyl is a replica of the ancient Temple of Sibyl in Tivoli, Italy, near Rome. George Ward, a former Mayor of Birmingham, inspired by his travels in Italy and Greece, commissioned the construction of his estate, naming it "Vestavia" after Vesta, the Roman goddess of hearth, and "via," meaning "by the roadway". The estate featured a home modeled after the Temple of Vesta and the Temple of Sibyl as a garden gazebo, marking the entrance to Ward's bird sanctuary. The temple features eight, sixteen-foot Corinthian columns supporting a 63-ton concrete dome. Originally rose-colored, it was painted white in the 1940s. Ward intended to be buried in a crypt beneath the temple, but a change in county laws prevented this. After Ward's death in 1940, the Vestavia Hills Baptist Church purchased the property in 1958. The church demolished the main house in 1971 but spared the Temple of Sibyl. In 1975, the Vestavia Hills Garden Club relocated the temple to its current location at the intersection of U.S. Highway 31 and Shades Crest Road, solidifying its status as a symbol of Vestavia Hills. The temple was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks in 1985. Today, the Temple of Sibyl is a popular spot for weddings, photography, small gatherings, and picnics. Visitors can enjoy the surrounding gardens maintained by the Vestavia Hills Garden Club.

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