Temple of Debod

This temple is one of the most overrated places I've seen. There’s barely any information around. Apparently, there used to be reflecting pools on both sides, but they're gone now. I had to look it up online because it didn’t feel like a historical site at all. As far as I can tell, only a small part of it is original — it’s been heavily restored. I think its fame is mostly due to a bandwagon effect. The surrounding park is much nicer — ideal for walking and relaxing. To enter, you have to scan the QR code shown in the picture and wait about 20 minutes. They only allow 15 people inside at a time. I didn’t go in, and honestly, I wasn’t that curious.

Fantastic exhibition outside and inside of this sacred temple. There are historical models as well as real hieroglyphics of Egyptian royals. Also a good spot for a picnic at the look out grounds with beautiful sky views of Madrid. You must reserve a ticket before hand in order to enter and Spots are limited. So be sure to book.

Visited whilst in Madrid whilst waiting to do a guided tour of the palace close by. The site itself is clean and presentable however the security guards on duty weren't overly friendly nor approachable. Could do with more signage about the history to educate people..access is free and a local bus stops across the road if you arnt staying close by

Weekend so park was very busy but the Temple was not since tickets are required. They are free and I was able to get them well in advance. Not very big but still pretty cool. Contrary to what others have said, guards and employees were very nice. Note that the sunset doesn't line up in May which is what we went for. Still a very nice park with a great view.

Maybe it's me, I was expecting more. I know it has history but besides that, nothing amazing about the whole thing... I enjoyed the view of the valley and watching people walk by than the actual Temple. It was good day though

We arrived too late to go inside, but the outside was interesting enough that if we had more time we would go back. The surrounding park is awesome! Spectacular views of the city and environs and beautiful trees and plantings.

Great place to watch the sunset. Lots of parrots above the trees and shady grass to sit on. There's a few fights of stairs that you will have to climb to get here. Great views of the Royal palace and the Cathedral from here

The Temple of Debod offers stunning and breathtaking views, especially if you visit during or just after sunset. It’s open to the public, and you’ll need to take the stone stairs to reach it. The surrounding landscape is beautifully serene, making it a perfect spot to relax, take photos, and enjoy the magical atmosphere.

I've never really understood Templo de Debod. It's often on people's list to visit but I'm not sure why. You see the structures, then move on. You can go inside but I'm not sure it's anything special. There's some history to where they came from, but with many other special historic spots to visit, I wouldn't go out of my way for this one. On the flip side, the park is beautiful and it's got a great view of the city and the palace.

The Templo de Debod is a stone's throw (well more!) away from Plaza de España. It's a structure worth seeing and you can get panoramic views from behind of the town and the royal palace. Unfortunately, the line was too long so I couldn't make it in the temple itself. However, there's also a nice park next to it where you can walk around and enjoy the greenery and views. I came here basically after I got to my hotel (or effectively hours after my flight). I'm not sure if there was a better time to view with fewer tourists, but maybe that's worth considering if trying to go. Fortunately, it's really not that far from Centro if you're staying in the area.

The line was like everlasting and it moved in a glacial pace. I didn't even get to go inside, in fact we were close to the gate before they cut us off. It's free but you're better off just taking some pictures then leaving. I would have to say if you're there around sunset, stick around to get some magnificent pictures with the sun in the background.

I enjoyed visiting the inside of the temple. The line was long and they only allow a few people in at a time. I would give it more stars except they had some fire drill in the middle of my visit and tried to convince me to be a part of it and evacuate the building and walk outside the building in a predetermined route. It's a building made of stone and surrounded by stone! Fire?! Get out of here. At this point I left.

This is kind of lame. If you skip it you aren't missing anything. You have to wait in a line to see it one by one, even though it's an outdoor monument.

Beautiful egyptian temple... if time permits, walk past the temple for 5 mins (through a walkway of fall color trees) and u should be able to see the view of the city and Royal Palace...

This Egyptian temple is a must visit when you're in Madrid. The temple is considered the oldest building in Madrid and it was gifted by the Egyptian government to Spain. You can visit the temple for free and it's a self guided tour. They are closed on Mondays and some holidays. Line can be long to enter, but it's worth the wait.

I loved visiting. The line was long but so so worth it. Recommend coming early and def bring a hat or sweater depending on the weather.

This Egyptian Temple was from 200 BC. It was a gift from Egypt & assembled in Madrid on 1973. The shrine was originally in Nubia, near the Nile & was dedicated to the goddess Isis. It is now the highlight of them Parque del Oeste,

Just a review for outside the temple, didn't bother entering. Located off in the corner of El Centro de Madrid, this intriguing (reconstructed) Egyptian monument is worth a brief detour for the views at sunset. Tons of social media show this awesome landmark surrounded by water and timing with the sunset makes for great images. Unfortunately we arrived to no reflective pool, but got the cotton candy sky sunset at least. Kind of a let down after walking a bit, although there is a train stop that does get you somewhat close if you want to skip extra city sight seeing. The backside of the temple does sit on a hill which gives you great views into Madrid as well. Admittedly this attraction wasn't high priority to visit, but do it for the 'gram right?

Egyptian gift to Spaniards back in history. Now it's a charm in Madrid to drop by and visit! Cool site. Admirable scene and stroll.

It's a very strange and wonderful spot to visit. The water is drained for the winter, so that reflection element is missing. The sunset is still nice from the overlook regardless. Some dude peed against the back of the temple which was less than charming, but what can you do.

We came here because we were intrigued by the thought of an Egyptian temple being in a park in Madrid. It sounds cool right? Well, the line to get into the temple was ridiculous so we just took a few photos of the outside. The fact that they were imported is the most interesting thing about this whole scene, but you can snap a couple photos and be done in 10 minutes. Sunset is the right time to come here to get the best photos. The view in Parque Del Oestre is also nice. Otherwise, a little underwhelming of an experience. If you are in the area then it it worth a stop but not worth going out of your way to come here.

I'm kind of disappointed that it took me so long to visit Templo de Debod in Madrid. I had been to Madrid multiple times in the past few years, but never had enough time to visit this place. Background: A piece of Ancient Egypt (2nd century) in Madrid, of course I had to see it. The temple was first located in Egypt but in the 1960s they were building many things near it and were scared from the floods which could have occurred from the dam construction. So, UNESCO stepped in to try to relocate it before Templo de Debod got wiped out. Egypt donated it to Spain since Spain helped save the Abu Simbel temples. Debod is located in Parque del Oeste Park which is near the Royal Palace of Madrid. Visit: This place has a calming factor with water and trees around it. It's one of the best places to see sunset in Madrid. The inside was closed due to technical issues when I visited, so only saw it from the outside. Check on their website before going to see if they are open inside.~

I love this park. It has one of the best sunsets in the Madrid centro area. To give you a little history, the temple was originally in Egypt but since Ethel Egyptian government was building a damn to ensure electricity to its people, the temple and other temples were in danger. Since they didn't have any money to preserve it the UNESCO with the help of the US, Spain, and other countries joined in to save these ruins. As a token of gratitude, Egypt gave these countries temples instead of a simple thanks. That's why the US has the big temple in the Metropolitan museum of art and this is also why Madrid has the Temple of Debod. Now that you know, you can visit a little bit of the Egyptian wonders in Madrid, completely complimentary, you can even go inside but you might have to wait. Also make sure you go to the park around the afternoon hours because the sunset is wonderful and you have amazing views of the area. Also, there are one of bakeries and todo places around, but a snack and go to the temple's park and enjoy it on one of the benches. It's very nice. Don't do it in the middle of summer though, we are talking spring and fall only!

We stood in a deceiving short line for almost an hour to visit the very small temple with barely discernible wall reliefs and a 20-minute film (only in Spanish). The Temple of Dendur in New York's Metropolitan Museum, and of course sites in Egypt are far superior. You are not missing anything by just taking photos from the boundaries. Two stars because admission was free. Visit Madrid's many fine museums, parks or churches instead.

This is a cool bonus if you're in Madrid. The Templo de Debod is an Egyptian Temple located in Madrid, Spain. It was given as a gift to Spain, but the temple itself dates back to the 2nd century BC. The outside is pretty beautiful, although there was no reflecting pool when I was there. Inside is interesting, also. Inside, you'll find information on Ancient Egypt and where the temple came from. The downside is the wait. They only allow 30 people inside the temple at a time, so we waited around 50 minutes to get inside. Admission is free, but you have to be willing to wait.

Got here early, too early, I think it was around 8 in the morning, it was closed! Doh! But that's okay, the exterior of the temple is quite fascinating, and the surrounding park area is lovely as well. Originally an Egyptian temple built in the 2nd century BC, it was later given as a gift to Madrid from Egypt. This also acted as means of preserving the temple, due to its original proximity near a dam that was under construction. Fascinating...

Bummed that I couldn't be here for the sunset and I'm bummed that there was some sort of air conditioning problem that had the interior closed for the last month or two. The outside is quite nice and you can get some very nice pictures with the temple and reflecting in the pool, but that's really about it. Of course, there's still a great view of the rest of Madrid from here too!

Stunning! Absolutely phuckin' stunning! Quick tip- Make sure you go during sunset so you can see how gorgeous this lovely temple is! This is one of the must do's when in Madrid. It's beautiful to see in the daylight but it's magnificent to see during sunset. El Templo de Debod is one of the remarkable monuments in Madrid that makes the city an open-air museum. The beautiful intact temple is one of the great and beautiful symbols of Madrid. If the other great cities of the world have obelisks from Egypt then Madrid has an authentic Egyptian temple in the heart of the city! The location is quiet and wonderful, with great views over the modern part of Madrid and the Palacio Real. Did I mention the lovely reflections in the water that surround the ruins? OMG. Just gorgeous! The carvings in the temple are well preserved and so is the shrine where the statue of the honored God was kept. Debod is a little piece of Egypt in the heart of Spain. The temple of Debod is beautifully lighted all through the night and the sunset is so stunning seen from the temple. This lovely temple can be reached through Plaza de España metro station. Enjoy!

How often do you get to see a REAL Egyptian Temple? Unless you're in Egypt, I suppose the chances are slim. It was really a pleasure to be able to stop by this site. Tuesdays through Fridays entrance is free. The temple is small, and there's not a lot to see, so free is well worth it. The walls are adorned with carvings/pictures/hieroglyphics and they have various buttons to press to illuminate the scenes. It's quite interesting! Outside, the water feature and structures make for nice photos. Close by you can see semi-panoramic views of the city. It's important to note that many student groups/classes (old and young) visit for educational purposes. You may have to share small spaces with teens or 5 year olds, but I think it's worth it for the experience.

Really enjoyed seeing a piece of Egypt in Madrid. These landmarks are located in a beautiful park that also offers incredible views of the city. The park is just a short walk from the Royal Palace.

Really nice views on Madrid from the Templo de Debod. It's a very easy and free monument to visit while in Madrid. There are a lot of tourists, but it's beautiful if you catch the sunset!

One of the must-sees in Madrid, the Templo de Debod is indeed a sight that looks great at sunset. A gift from the Egyptian government in the 1970s, the temple was brought here to preserve it from flooding in Egypt. We arrived just as the sun was about to set and there were lots of people milling about, enjoying the mild April weather on a Saturday evening. There is a fountain at the rear of the temple and a large reflecting pool in the front of it. Definitely picture-worthy and best of all, it's free!

Don't know why it's highly rated on things to do... I would skip this attraction if you don't have the time. It's free but check the hours to make sure it's not closed because it resides inside a park. lame!

What a beautiful landmark! Temple of Debod was on my list of places to visit in Spain from Google and word of mouth. Once I looked it up and discovered it was an ancient Egyptian Temple that was dismantled, given to Spain as a gift and rebuilt, I was even more excited to see true ancient Egyptian work. The tour was free but I'm very impatient, the line was extremely long, and it seemed as if they were only letting people in two at a time. So I didn't enter the temple, I just enjoyed and appreciated the Temple from the outside. Plaza de España is only a two minute walk away.

This is an ancient Egyptian Temple that was dismantled and rebuilt in Madrid Spain. The entry into the temple is free. You can visit the temple and walk inside where you can see a video (in Spanish) before exploring the structures outside. You are allowed 30 minutes to explore the temple and take pictures. There was a line when I arrived but it did not take long to get my turn inside. It was great to explore but I really wish I had someone to go with me and take my pictures.

This was so amazing in the middle of a park in Madrid, an Egyptian stone hedge... magnificent. I could wait to see this. Especially when it was lite-up.

We came here after seeing all the stunning photos online. What an utter disappointment when we got there! The feature that attracts me the most is the reflecting pools around it. We came on a bright sunny day with blue sky and little cloud....BUT! NO WATER at the reflecting pools. S we were staring at an ancient temple on a raised platform, and surrounded by dry brick floor.....whoop-de-doo!! Then, there is THE LINE! It seems they only allow a limited number of visitor to enter at a time...causing a ridiculously long line....(on a Tuesday of a non-peak tourist season, no less). Can you imagine if there are several Instagram influencers in front of you with their photo crews....good luck. We decided not to enter....because there are so much more to do, see, and most importantly, eat in Madrid. Why waste time here? I'm pretty sure If we had gone inside, my opinion would be more favorable, but....

Come here about a half hour before the sun sets so you can take pics of the temple. Then wander to the back to see a view of the cathedrals to the left and the sun set in the centre back from the temple. You will see the small crowd with their slrs and smartphones. I was a bit disappointed with the view of the city as I was expecting something more spectacular. The sun set was nice considering I've never really watched one in my life! Kinda odd when one thinks of it. This may sound terrible but a few trees should be trimmed or cut to improve the view. Crowd is full of families to couples. Randoms selling water and beer. Everyone's pretty nice about allowing each other time to take pics at the temple and sunset area. Something worth doing as it's about a 30 min walk from Puerta del sol or three subways stops from sol station on 3 - getting off at Ventura Rodriguez and a 5 min walk.

Really neat free sight to see in Madrid. There are some lovely views from the back of the park that look over the city. Great photo opportunity. Short walk from the center of Madrid.

Not a big deal, I have been in Madrid several times and haven't enter inside the ruin. Better to go to the real ones in Egypt, however the templo is located in a nice park, like an esplanade and you can watch part of the city. When is dry is not pretty.

Cool historical place to visit well in Spain. Definitely the place to be at when the sunset but not sure why their was no water.

The Templo de Debot is pretty much the highest point of a huge park that is perfect for outdoor activities like running, walking or just sitting down to enjoy the view! The monument itself doesn't appear all that inviting.

The Temple of Debod (Spanish: Templo de Debod) is an ancient Egyptian temple that was dismantled and rebuilt in Madrid, Spain. The temple was rebuilt in one of Madrid's parks, the Parque del Oeste, near the Royal Palace of Madrid, and opened to the public in 1972.The reassembled gateways have been placed in a different order than when originally erected. Compared to a photo of the original site, the gateway topped by a serpent-flanked sun was not the closest gateway to the temple proper. It constitutes one of the few works of ancient Egyptian architecture that can be seen outside Egypt and the only one of its kind in Spain. It was a great view from the outside even tho you don't have to go in and look at the egyptian pieces. Also there is no cover to go in, is a very small Landmark.

A relaxing venue for reflection. Views are just average. The actual structure is unique and picturesque. Crowds do gather, so there is quite the buzz. No real amenities in the area. Enjoy!

This is not an over the top Madrid sight, but then again it is free so what do you want? The temple is interesting just based on the age of it and the fact that it is not something you see in most places. The visit will not take you more than 30-minutes, but it is not bad if you have the time to get there. It is not in the direct path of the other tourist spots, but there are a few sights in the area worth checking out. There is a nice part nearby and nice views of Madrid and the palace from the hill.

One of the odder sights in Madrid. We were recommended to go to Parque del Oeste for the view. Casually dropped into conversation was the "Egyptian temple". As we made our way through the park, we spotted it, just sitting on the top of a hill. It was a bit surreal seeing this 2,000 year old temple propped in the middle of a pond like an ornament. I'm still glad we went to see it, but I wouldn't search it out unless you were staying nearby.

Extremely easy to access. I was staying on Calle De Atoche. I opted to walk because it was only 10 minutes shorter by bus. I was excited at the fact that it was free. The outside was breath taking all by itself. When you walked up you had to get in line to the left and wait for security to allow you in. Prior to entering you are instructed to put your book bag in front. After you enter there is a video that you could watch to the right and then there is a room to the left as well as an upstairs. Upon going upstairs there was a diagram and several different stones. It was great to be able to see a bit of Egyptian culture in Spain. Of course, you are not able to touch the stones in order to preserve them for years to come.

Visiting here was one of the highlights of my time in Madrid! I love Egyptology, so I was very excited to see this place - a real ancient Egyptian temple given to Spain by Egypt in the 1960's. It is located at the top of a hill in the Rosaleda Park. The temple is attractively situated in a long pool of water. I recommend going in the early evening - but be aware that the temple itself closes at 6. If you get there after that, you won't be able to walk beside the temple or go inside. But the temple, lit up at night, is really stunning - and it's also the best place to watch the sunset in Madrid! Amazing and highly recommended. Also - it's free!

Beautiful view of the Cathedral and Royal Palace from here. Tad touristy but in Madrid what isnt? Totally worth the hike. This was for lack of a better word, very different from the rest of Madrid's to-see list. Great photo opportunity for the enthusiast. Good place to take kids, although the hike with a stroller was a little difficult. Was excited to see an old Egyptian (?) temple. I felt like I should have gone with a little more background knowledge though.

Not only is it free, but it's also air-conditioned! A pretty place to visit, with a great view into the valley of Madrid's suburbs. The actual Egyptian temple is quite a site, which looks out of place, but makes for a great photo! Filimbouk makes some good points about the lack of English explanation and pushy tourists of many different nationalities. It's kind of a reminder about being polite and giving as a traveller or tourist.

I get that this was brought over from Egypt brick by brick but it didn't really impress me. Perhaps if I went inside? But it was closed and the locals say it's closed a lot. So really, what's the point?

Another amazing park and stop in the ever beautiful Spain! Make sure to come close to sunset, preferably on a Friday or Sat if you can (note that sunset is near 9:30pm in the summer months!). Tons of Spanish locals come and have picnics / sit in the park to watch the sunset over a great view of the city. Not only is it beautiful but great for geeting a feel of Spanish culture and people watching.

Nice area to walk around, pretty views. The building is interesting from the outside albeit a little simple. No signs in English so prep yourself with info before you go so you know what you're looking at (an Egyptian building given to Spain as a gift). Sign said they were closed due to technical issues with no notification of when it will reopen. So if you're going, double check the website to see if they're open or expect to just enjoy the outside view and a stroll

On one of our last days in Madrid we took the double decker bus tour that allows you to hop off and on at the different sites in the city. One of the stops was Templo de Debold. The temple is one of many Egyptian temples moved from Egypt and reconstructed in one of many large cities worldwide. While the interior of this temple is unimpressive the exterior archways and the mirror water feature in front of the temple make for great photos. My favorite it the view from the far side of the temple grounds over looking Madrid. If you look off in the distance you can even see a roller coaster from a local fun park and the domes of other cathedrals in the city. The locals walk their dogs and jog along the green belt here in the area. It is a great place to stop and enjoy the horizon.

Fun! My family decided to walk here from our hotel (not a bad walk) and explore the Templo de Debod after reading about it in our guide book. The temple was essentially plucked from Egypt and replanted in Madrid. The cool thing is that it was set up so that the orientation with respect to the sun is the same as it was in Egypt. It's a great area for photo ops and the park itself is used by locals to exercise (many with their dogs).

Odd seeing an Egyptian temple in Madrid, no? The temple isn't too big, it only takes about 15 minutes to check everything out (25 if you examine everything thoroughly). There are several hieroglyphics and artifacts to view (even though they don't tell you much about Egypt, they're still nice to see) On the outside: there's a beautiful view overlooking parts of Madrid, a fountain, and a few arches (once doorways to enter the temple) that are great photo ops. Don't set this place at the top of your itinerary, but if you have the time take quick walk through.

Its a great park with the temple at the center - try to go in the evening as the sunset there is spectacular - the temple closes so make sure you check the timing!