The Temple of Debod is just a short walk from Plaza de España, located in Madrid’s Parque del Oeste.

This temple, over 2,200 years old, was originally located in southern Egypt, near the first cataract of the Nile. Built by King Adikhalamani of Meroe and dedicated to the gods Amun and Isis, it features a rectangular floor plan with a single entrance from the east. The interior walls are adorned with scenes of the king making offerings to the gods, arranged in two registers, while the ceiling was once painted with stars and vultures.

In the 1960s, as the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge many Egyptian monuments, UNESCO launched an international appeal to save these treasures. As a gesture of gratitude for Spain’s assistance, Egypt donated the Temple of Debod to Spain in 1968. The temple was reconstructed in Madrid and opened to the public in July 1972.

While the temple was once surrounded by reflecting pools, the water has since been removed, offering a new perspective of this historic site.

The entrance to the temple is free of charge, but visitors must register at “Madrid.es/templodebod” and select a time slot to download a ticket. The temple is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 20:00, with each visit lasting 30 minutes.

Beyond its aesthetic beauty, the Temple of Debod is rich in history and culture. Inside, visitors can explore various rooms that preserve original hieroglyphs and learn about the religion and beliefs of Ancient Egypt. It’s an ideal spot for history lovers and anyone looking for a unique way to start their day in the city.

If you’re in Madrid, don’t miss the opportunity to visit it!