The front elevation and ground plan of the Sun Temple at the Hermitage in Bayreuth in Germany

This remarkable building, part of the New Palace complex, was built in 1750 by Wilhemine (1709-1758), wife of Margrave Friedrich of Bayreuth and sister of Frederick the Great of Prussia. She was responsible for much of the architectural and garden design at the Hermitage. Based on set designs by the architect Galli Bibiena, who spent some time in Bayreuth, the Temple flattered Margrave Friedrich with comparisons to Apollo, while the wings on either side housed greenhouses and aviaries for the Margravine's collection of exotic plants and birds.