Few buildings exceed the magnificence, taste and beauty of this temple. [Horace Walpole]
"The Pantheon is a truly grand structure. The garden's largest and most important building, it draws the eye from all corners of the garden. Its interior is equally magnificent, with marble statues and reliefs set around the main circular hall.
"It was designed by architect Henry Flitcroft, and built in 1753-4, and no doubt provided an impressive setting for Henry Hoare II's picnics and summer parties.
"The Pantheon was originally called the Temple of Hercules, as its interior is dominated by the alluring marble statue of Hercules by Rysbrack. The statue's biceps were modelled on 'the father of English boxing', the successful contemporary prize-fighter, Jack Broughton. Hercules was a great moral hero, and the famous painting of him at the crossroads between vice and virtue by Poussin hangs in the picture gallery of Stourhead House."
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"Standing high upon a hill at the western end of the garden is the Temple of Apollo. It was built in 1765 by Flitcroft, inspired by the circular temple of Baalbec in Syria. It is dedicated to Apollo, the sun god who dwelt on Mount Parnassus and without whom no garden can flourish.
"The temple's beauty is captured in short glimpses through the trees as you enter the Shades from the House Lawn, and in many striking vistas from around the garden. It can be reached either by the twisting rock arch bridge built from Italian volcanic lava, or through the dark, concealed rockwork passageway near the Palladian bridge. Upon arrival, you turn to meet the splendid garden panorama below, described by Horace Walpole as 'one of the most picturesque scenes in the world'."