George Ward, former mayor of Birmingham, was a frequent traveler to Italy and Greece. After purchasing property on the summit of Shades Mountain, he commissioned an architect to design a home for him that resembled the Temple of Vesta in Rome. Upon completion in 1925, Mr. Ward called his home “Vestavia” – named after Vesta, the Roman goddess of hearth, and “via,” meaning “by the roadway.” The area around his home later developed into a thriving suburban city known today as Vestavia Hills.
Following construction of his home, Mr. Ward commissioned a garden gazebo that resembled the Temple of Sibyl at Tivoli. This gazebo, now known as Sibyl Temple, overlooked the valley below and served as the entrance to his bird sanctuary.
Mr. Ward passed away in 1940 and Vestavia Hills Baptist Church purchased the property in 1958. The house was demolished in 1971, but the temple was spared. In 1976, the Vestavia Hills Garden Club had Harbert Construction Corporation relocate the temple to its current location near the intersection of U.S. Highway 31 and Shades Crest Road. This iconic landmark serves as a gateway to the northern entrance of the City and its image appears in the official seal of Vestavia Hills along with the words, “Unity, Prosperity, Family.”
In 1985, the Temple was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks, and the sign bearing the State seal was installed to the site in 2008. In 2015, the City was awarded a grant from the Alabama Historical Association to assist with the restoration of the Temple.
The Sibyl Temple Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3), organization was formed in 1992 to serve as the working arm of the Vestavia Hills Garden Club in its endeavors to maintain the Temple of Sibyl and surrounding gardens, in as much as the Temple structure is the property of the Garden Club and is of historical significance to our community.
Reserve Sibyl Temple
Sibyl Temple is one of Vestavia Hills’ top tourist attractions, and is a sought-after location for weddings, photography, small gatherings and picnics. (Note that Sibyl Temple can accommodate no more than 75 event attendees due to space and parking limitations.) It is open to the public from 7 a.m. to sunset, except when reserved. Sibyl Temple has on-site parking, restrooms and picnic tables. Due to the risk of frozen pipes, the restrooms are closed through the winter months, except during events.
Cost & Requirements:
Rental Rates:
3 hour rental: $400
Each additional hour: $100
Reservation Requirements:
50% non-refundable deposit, payable by credit card, check or cash; remainder of the payment is due 30 days prior to the event date
Completed and signed contract
Completed and signed Hold Harmless Agreement
A credit card is required in the event any damages are incurred during your event
Event Attendees:
Due to limited space and parking, there is a strict 75 person limit for attendance at any event
Alcohol Policy:
If serving alcohol or if more than 25 people will be in attendance, a Vestavia Hills police officer must be present.
Hourly rate: $50 per hour, per officer, with a 3-hour minimum per officer
Hours of Operation:
Open for events from 10am to 10pm
For more information or to make a reservation, email sibyltemple@gmail.com or contact us in writing: Sibyl Temple Foundation, P.O. Box 660645, Vestavia Hills, AL 35266.
Reservation Calendar