Temple of Debod, Madrid

About the Temple of Debod

The temple was built in the 2nd century BC in Nubia, in southern Egypt below Aswan, and dedicated to the god Amun and the goddess Isis. Later Egyptian rulers and Roman emperors added to it. In the 20th century, the temples of Nubia were threatened by the reservoir of the new Aswan High Dam, and many countries helped to save them.

In thanks for Spain's help in rescuing the famous temples of Abu Simbel, Egypt gave it the Temple of Debod in 1968. It was dismantled, shipped in pieces and rebuilt in Madrid, opening to visitors in 1972. It's one of the few Egyptian temples you can see outside Egypt.

Inside and out

In front of the temple stand two stone pylon gateways, once on the path to the sanctuary. The temple itself is small: a few rooms with reliefs of Egyptian gods and kings, a chapel and models telling the story of the move. Visitors go in small groups, so you may have to wait a little.

The temple is surrounded by pools that reflect it, especially beautifully at sunset and in the evening when it's floodlit. Around it is the Parque del Oeste, with lawns, a rose garden and a viewpoint over the Manzanares valley.

What to see at the Temple of Debod

• The pylon gateways — the stone gates in front of the temple.
• The sanctuary — reliefs of Egyptian gods.
• The reflection — the best shot at sunset.
• The viewpoint — over the Royal Palace and cathedral.
• Parque del Oeste — lawns and a rose garden.
• The cable car — over Casa de Campo, nearby.

Around the temple

From the temple you look over the west of the city: the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral on their hill, the river valley and the wooded Casa de Campo park. The palace is about 15 minutes' walk away along the park.

Nearby is the start of the Teleférico, a cable car gliding over the trees of Casa de Campo, a good way to continue with children. To the east lies Plaza de España, with its monument to Cervantes and his heroes Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, and the start of Gran Vía.

Tips for your visit

To go inside, come by day and not on a Monday: the rooms close in the evening and on the closing day, though the park and the outside are always open. Climbing on the stones or wading into the pools isn't allowed, as the temple is a protected monument.

At sunset it's busy but relaxed and friendly, with people sitting on the grass, taking photos and listening to buskers. Bring a jacket, as the hill can be windy. Afterwards, walk down to Plaza de España and have dinner in Malasaña.

By day, when there are no crowds, the park around the temple is a pleasant place for a picnic after the Royal Palace. Children enjoy spotting the animal-headed gods and hieroglyphs on the walls.

Nearby and on the way

44

Plaza de España

Madrid, Spain

30 min · Free · 8 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Plaza de España

53

Royal Palace of Madrid

Madrid, Spain

1 h 45 min · Paid · 13 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Royal Palace of Madrid

51

Almudena Cathedral

Madrid, Spain

45 min · Cathedral free · 17 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Almudena Cathedral

51

Plaza Mayor

Madrid, Spain

40 min · Free · 23 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Plaza Mayor

How to do it right

• Entry is free.
• Go inside by day, not on a Monday.
• Sunset is the main event.
• The palace and Plaza de España are close.

Questions