The history of the pergola

Adding a pergola to your garden provides a quaint, shady spot beneath which you can relax on hot summer days. But did you know that this humble timber frame actually carries a weighty history? Dating all the way back to the time of Ancient Egypt, your garden pergola might be more of a timeless style than you thought. 

Latin Origins of The Pergola

The name ‘pergola’ comes from Latin and actually originally referred to a ‘projecting eave’ – not quite as catchy when you think of it like that! The pergolas of ancient times may have been simpler in structure and could have been as simple as a wooden cover providing shade. Now though, the pergola is a thing of beauty, adding countryside charm and a romantic touch to any outdoor space with an open lattice roof and vertical pillars creating an entirely free-standing structure.

All the Way Back to Ancient Egypt

The origins of the pergola can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, where they were used in gardens to add shade. The first ever pergola was thought to have been owned by an official in an Ancient Egyptian court and placed in their garden around 1400 B.C.

Ancient Roman Pergolas

Ancient Rome is well-known for its lavish, decadent gardens, and pergolas were a common feature. In the hot Southern European summers, they provided plenty of shade for walkways and outdoor areas, making them a staple in Ancient Roman gardens and courtyards. It was also common at this time that pergolas would be made from stone, not timber, and often had grape vines wrapped around the structure in a look which was quintessential of the time.??

18th and 19th Centuries

Pergolas continued to be used in European gardens during the 18th and 19th centuries. Their designs became more ornate and incorporated classical and Gothic elements, reflecting some of the most popular architectural styles of the time.

Contemporary Use of Pergolas

Pergolas faded away a little in the 20th century, but in more recent decades we have seen a surge in their popularity. In residential gardens in particular, you can now find swathes of pergolas providing shaded al fresco dining spots. But the real change for this timber structure came in 2021. As the Covid pandemic made working from home more common and people jumped at the chance of an outdoor office space, pergolas found a contemporary use in the modern garden. Providing the shade necessary to see laptop screens and create a comfortable working environment, they are now a staple of the outdoor office. 

Sustainable Timber Pergolas at EcoChoice

A versatile, timeless architectural feature of gardens, adding a pergola to your outdoor space is always a good idea. To source beautiful timber structures in bespoke or pre-fabricated styles, reach out to our team at EcoChoice today. With a wide range of sustainably sourced timber species available to suit a variety of budgets and styles, we can help you find exactly what you want.

Images: ThomasPhoto, Halit Sadik / Shutterstock.com