Temple of Debod
Monument · Casa de Campo ·
Ancient Egyptian temple gifted to Spain, rebuilt in Madrid park
Ancient Egyptian temple gifted to Spain, rebuilt in Madrid park
"An authentic ancient Egyptian temple dismantled, gifted to Spain, reassembled and sited in Parque de la Montaña; it contains a small museum about ancient Egypt and is a celebrated sunset spot with reflective pool views and panoramic city vistas." - Siobhan Reid Siobhan Reid Siobhan Reid is an NYC-based writer, editor, and copywriter. She is currently the editor-in-residence at The Vintner Project and was previously an editor at Travel + Leisure, covering culture, design, style, and wellness. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Just behind Plaza de España (which is under construction at the moment), is where you'll find the hillside Cuartel de la Montaña Park featuring an Egyptian temple from the 2nd century BC. It is still easily accessible during work on the plaza. Gifted to Spain from the Egyptian government, the Temple of Debod was a thank-you for their assistance in protecting the temples of Abu Simbel from flooding following the construction of Egypt's Aswan Dam; when it was transported to Madrid, it was taken apart and rebuilt stone by stone to its original specifications. Decorative motifs and projections on the side of the temple help tell the story of the historic structure." - Ramsey Qubein
"Tell me: What’s this place all about? Just behind the under-construction Plaza de España is where you'll find the hillside Cuartel de la Montaña Park featuring an Egyptian temple from the 2nd century BC. It is still easily accessible between the construction. Gifted to Spain from the Egyptian government, the Temple of Debod was a thank-you for their assistance in protecting the temples of Abu Simbel from flooding following the construction of the Aswan Dam in Aswan, Egypt. Is there a guide involved? You can organize guided tours in advance, but self-exploration is just as pleasant. Who comes here? A diverse set of tourists, plus local joggers and picnicking families. Are there any particular highlights we should keep an eye out for? Decorative motifs and projections on the side of the temple help tell the story of this historic structure. When it was transported to Madrid, it was taken apart and rebuilt stone by stone to its original specifications. Come here after sunset to see this ancient temple beautifully illuminated. What, or who, do you think it’s best for? A visit takes about an hour, and most folks treat it as the capstone to an afternoon of shopping along Gran Via. If you're interested in ancient history, the temple is a great complement to the Museo de America in nearby Moncloa." - Ramsey Qubein
"This ancient temple, dating to around 200 BCE, was transported from Egypt and reconstructed in Madrid — it’s a noteworthy nearby landmark when staying in Argüelles." - Matthew Kepnes
"This 2nd-century BCE Egyptian temple was dismantled and gifted to Spain in 1968; although the text notes the inside is generally off-limits and you can walk around the exterior, it also states the interior is open Tuesday–Sunday and on public holidays from 10am–8pm — admission is free." - Matthew Kepnes