What Is a Gazebo and What Is It Used For?
What Is a Gazebo and What Is It Used For? A gazebo is a freestanding, open garden structure, sometimes hexagonal or octagonal in shape, with a roof. Most gazebos are constructed of wood or metal and have seating inside the sheltered area. To add a sense of enclosure and privacy, latticework or outdoor curtains or drapes are sometimes used.
In a garden setting, a gazebo can serve as a focal point—something to be viewed and appreciated—or situated in a location on a property (like a hill) that offers views while providing shelter from the sun.
Small cities in the late 19th century and early 20th century often had large gazebos in the town center or park, where they often served as bandstands. Because they have a nostalgic appeal, gazebos are a popular prop for garden weddings and are often associated with romantic scenes in films like The Sound of Music and for photographs.
Gazebo-like structures have been built for centuries. The Egyptians built garden gazebos to support grapes for wine and raisins. They believed that these earthly paradises—gazebos and gardens—would follow them to heaven.
The Greeks built temples in public spaces that were surrounded by gardens, with marble gazebos in memory of gods and goddesses. The Romans enjoyed their private gardens as places to relax and entertain. Garden gazebos were constructed as a beautiful outdoor feature and as a gathering place.
While gazebos do attract attention, they also were, and still are, built to offer privacy. Elaborate gardens of churches and monasteries used gazebos as places for meditation or to establish a shrine.
In Medieval and Renaissance Europe, these sanctuaries were built in more far-off areas of large estates. TA gazebo would serve as a destination for the lord of the manor and his guests to journey outside for fresh air while still under a roof.
Garden gazebos became popular in England during the 16th through 18th centuries and could be found in parks or large private estates. In the 19th century, gazebos were built for middle-class properties and also became more functional as a shelter rather than a decorative architectural feature in the landscape. The English practice of afternoon tea was enjoyed in gazebos or similar structures.
Tea houses—or teahouses—are another form of a gazebo that has been popular in China and Japan for centuries. Tea ceremonies are a time of rest, meditation and reflection while enjoying one another’s company and admiring the beautiful surroundings of nature.
Depending on the region or culture, a gazebo might also be referred to as an alhambra, belvedere, kiosk, pagoda, pavilion, pergola, rotunda, shed, summerhouse, or tea house.