What is an authentic ancient Egyptian temple doing 2,000 miles from Egypt? The temple in question here is the Madrid Temple of Debod, and for more than 40 years it was one of the most unique, original and pleasantly surprising places in the Spanish capital. As one of four Egyptian temples located outside of Egypt, seeing this incredible example of ancient architecture is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Still not convinced that you should include the temple in your Madrid itinerary? Considering that it is completely free, there is no excuse not to go. We show you how to make the most of your time at the Madrid Temple of Debod.
Story
As you can imagine, the original home of the Temple of Debod was not actually Madrid. The structure is an authentic temple built in ancient Egypt to honor the god Amun and the goddess Isis. Its original location was about 14 kilometers south of the city of Aswan, near the Nile River.
The construction of the temple began in the second century BC. C. under the orders of the king Meroë Adijalamani and continued during the following centuries. The complete temple as we see it today was not completed until the Roman period of Egypt. As a result, it bundles the influence of multiple iconic civilizations into a single structure.
The history of the temple in Madrid does not begin until the 1960s, when the construction of the Aswan High Dam posed a threat to this magnificent historical treasure. Rather than leave it in place and risk irreparable damage, the Egyptian government offered the temple as a gift to Spain as a thank you for helping to restore other ancient temples in the area. In 1968, the Temple of Debod was completely deconstructed, moved to Madrid and rebuilt in the Parque del Oeste in Madrid.
Madrid Debod Temple today
The temple now proudly attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year from around the world. As one of the few worldwide examples of Egyptian architecture located outside of Egypt, its unique history makes it stand out among the many other fascinating places in Madrid.
The interior of the temple contains a hall, several chapels, a small museum, and more. Unfortunately, as of this writing, it is currently closed to visitors.
However, you can still enjoy the wonderful splendor of the temple from the outside. Make your way along the sacred processional path through the arches and let yourself be transported back in time to the glory days of ancient Egypt. The centuries of magic and history of the monument will take your breath away.
The temple is beautiful at any time of the day, but for an especially impressive sight, be sure to come at sunset. Great care was taken during the reconstruction process to maintain the original east-west orientation of the temple, and as a result, the monument enjoys an impressive and colorful backdrop as the sun fades below the horizon.
Location and how to get there
The location of the Temple of Debod in Parque del Oeste makes it easily accessible from the compact city center of Madrid. It’s easy to walk from other iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and Plaza de España (more on that in a moment), and it’s also well served by public transportation. Just take metro line 3 to Plaza de España or Ventura station, or line 10 to Plaza de España station, and it’s a quick walk from there.
Other nearby places of interest
Across the street from the temple, you will find one of the most famous and emblematic squares in Madrid: the Plaza de España. Crowned by a monument to Cervantes and flanked by some of the tallest skyscrapers in the city, the beautiful plaza seamlessly blends nature and history with the thriving modernity of contemporary Madrid.
Head south and you will stumble upon the Royal Palace, the official residence of the royal family of Spain. While the King and Queen of Spain don’t actually call this stately and stately building home (they live in a different palace on the outskirts of Madrid), it is still used ceremonially and bundles centuries of lavish history into 1,450,000 square feet.
If you want to get away from the tourist crowds and relax a bit, some of Madrid’s best green spaces are also easily accessible from the temple. The Sabatini Gardens and Campo del Moro Park are lovely options for a relaxing stroll that will help you escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
