What is the history of pergolas?
The word pergola is Latin and means projecting eave, an extended roof or arbor. Variations of these structures have been used since prehistoric times. But, the first known use of the term pergola dates back to the 1640’s. Used to cover walkways or roads, or as extensions of buildings, pergolas are now found world wide. It has been relatively recently that they have become popular in gardens and backyards. Photo at left: Ancient pergola on the Via Francigena, the 9th century road connecting Rome and Canterbury, England. This pergola structure is near Turin, Italy, and when, exactly, it was constructed is unknown.
