DEBOD TEMPLE

This authentic Egyptian temple from the Late Period, which is over 2,200 years old, is the oldest monument in the city. It is accessible on foot from the Plaza de España and offers spectacular views at sunset. 

The Temple of Debod is located in the Cuartel de la Montaña Park, next to the Parque del Oeste. It was moved stone by stone to its current location in the Spanish capital around 1972.

A thousand-year history
In 1968 it was donated to Spain by the Egyptian government, in gratitude for the work of the Spanish archaeological mission that collaborated in the rescue of the temples in the Nubian Valley - specifically, in the relocation of the Temple of Abu Simbel - which were going to be flooded by the waters of the Aswan Dam.

This monument, dedicated to the Egyptian gods Amun and Isis, was built by a Nubian king and is the only authentic Egyptian temple that can be visited in our country. In the Metropolitan Museum in New York, covered under a pavilion, is another of the temples that were destined to disappear under the waters after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. A model of the exhibition, which is currently housed inside the Temple, tells the story for visitors. Admission is free, but be sure to check the opening hours at the link at the bottom of this page. 

A privileged location
Located next to the Parque del Oeste, in one of the most beautiful spots in the city of Madrid, the viewpoint of the gardens is one of the favourite places for locals and visitors alike to watch the sunset. The viewpoint offers a spectacular panoramic view of the south of the city, from here you can see the Casa de Campo in the foreground and in the background, on clear days, you can also see the peaks of the Sierra de Guadarrama.

The Temple of Debod can be reached by walking from the Plaza de España and the Plaza de Oriente. Nearby are shopping streets such as Gran Vía and Princesa, as well as points of cultural interest such as the Cerralbo Museum and the Royal Palace.

Address: Calle Ferraz, 1. (Metro: Plaza de España, Lines 2, 3 and 10).

Image credits: Templo de Debod. Hugo Fernández - Region of Madrid