Going Inside the Mussenden Temple

Europe is probably the last place I would have expected to be able to visit a temple. I usually associate temples with Asia, like Buddhist or Taoist temples of which I managed to visit quite a few of. When I found out that the structure which was constructed at Downhill Demesne was a temple, an imitation of the temple of Vesta, I got really curious. The temple was built in memory of Frederick Hervey’s cousin who was surnamed Mussenden. I don’t know why they used a temple of Vesta as the structure. That being said, it was quite attractive. I’m not sure how much of the structure is the original but it seems to be in very good condition considering that it is more than two hundred years old.

There is a fence surrounding the temple itself. This is probably to keep animals away from the temple. There are sheep roaming about the premises and having fences to keep them away is quite common here. There is a short flight of stairs which leads inside. From the foot of the stairs you can have a very good look at the temple. It is really quite attractive. The temple is supported by multiple Corinthian columns. The main door is a bit of a disappointment. It is in good condition but I wasn’t as grand as I thought it can be. Surely a place as nice as this should look nice inside.

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