# Temple of Debod, Madrid > The Temple of Debod is a genuine ancient Egyptian temple from the 2nd century BC, given to Spain by Egypt and rebuilt stone by stone in a hilltop park near central Madrid. It stands among pools that mirror its stone gateways, and its terrace looks out over the Royal Palace and the sunset above the river. Entry is free; allow 30 to 45 minutes. Web page: https://yesgo.io/spain/madrid/temple-of-debod - City: [Madrid](https://yesgo.io/spain/madrid), Spain - YesGo score: 49/100 (Yes, if nearby) - Time on site: 40 min - Opening hours: Tue–Sun by day; the park is always open - With kids: Fine with kids - Entry: Free - Closed: Monday - Highlights: The temple, its reflection, the sunset - Time needed: 30–45 minutes - Inside: Small rooms, entry in small groups - Location: Parque del Oeste, Plaza de España metro - Coordinates: 40.42405, -3.71778 - Facts checked: 11.11.2026 ## Key facts - **2nd c. BC** — the temple was built in Nubia (source: English Wikipedia) - **1968** — Egypt gave the temple to Spain (source: English Wikipedia) - **1972** — the temple opened in Madrid (source: English Wikipedia) - **Abu Simbel** — Spain helped save its temples (source: English Wikipedia) ## 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. > **Come for sunset** The Temple of Debod is one of Madrid's favourite sunset spots: the sun sinks behind the Casa de Campo hills while the temple's silhouette is mirrored in the water. Arrive half an hour before sunset to get a spot on the slope or by the viewpoint railing. The inside is usually closed by then. ## Around the temple From the temple you look over the west of the city: the [Royal Palace](https://yesgo.io/spain/madrid/royal-palace-madrid) and [Almudena Cathedral](https://yesgo.io/spain/madrid/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. ## How to get to the temple 1. Metro: **Plaza de España** (L2, L3, L10), a 7-minute walk. 2. Or **Ventura Rodríguez** (L3), a 5-minute walk. 3. From the Royal Palace, 15 minutes north along Calle de Bailén. 4. The temple is reached by steps up from the park on the Calle de Ferraz side. ## 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. ## Checklist Tick off what's ready — your ticks are saved in this browser. - [ ] Go inside by day, not on a Monday - [ ] Find the reliefs of Egyptian gods - [ ] Come back for sunset - [ ] Photograph the reflection in the pool - [ ] See the Royal Palace from the viewpoint ## Places in Madrid: compare and choose Places in Madrid rated by YesGo. - [Temple of Debod](https://yesgo.io/spain/madrid/temple-of-debod) — YesGo score 49/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 40 min · Free - [Segovia](https://yesgo.io/spain/madrid/segovia) — YesGo score 34/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 6 h · Town free ## Don't mix it up The Temple of Debod is a genuine Egyptian temple, not a replica. Its stones came from Nubia and were reassembled in Madrid in the same order as they stood by the Nile. ## Tips - 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 ### Is the Temple of Debod free? Yes, entry is free; visitors go inside in small groups. ### Why is there an Egyptian temple in Madrid? Egypt gave it to Spain in 1968 for its help in saving the Abu Simbel temples. ### When is the best time to visit? At sunset, for the reflection and the view over the city. ### How do I get to the Temple of Debod? By metro to Plaza de España or Ventura Rodríguez, then 5 to 7 minutes on foot. ### How long do you need? 30 to 45 minutes, about an hour for sunset. ## How we checked Facts from English Wikipedia. Hours and closing days weren't confirmed with an official source — hence the 'checking' badge. ## Sources - English Wikipedia: Temple of Debod - Madrid tourism portal, esmadrid.com --- This is the Markdown version of a YesGo page for AI assistants. Quote the web page link above, not this file.