Templo de Debod, Madrid
The Templo de Debod at sunset. Photo
Antonio Rodríguez.
The temple at the "blue hour." Photo
Esteban Cristóbal Rodríguez.
View through the gates. Photo
Antonio Rodríguez.
View by night. Photo
Mario Rubio.
Temple gates by day. Photo
orasir.
Location map and aerial view of Templo de Debod. For a larger interactive view, see our Madrid Map.
The Templo de Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple near Plaza de España, Madrid. It dates from the 4th century BC and was brought to Madrid in 1971.
History
The Templo de Debod once stood in the Nile Valley of Egypt, 31km (19 miles) from Aswan. Built in the 4th century BC, it was dedicated to the god Amun and the goddess Isis.
When the new Aswan Dam threatened the temple, the Egyptian government decided to give it to Spain in gratitude for its help in saving Abu Simbel. The temple was carefully dismantled in 1969-70, then put on a ship to Valencia followed by a train to Madrid. There it was reconstructed and opened to the public in 1971.
What to See
Two tall, narrow gateways lead to the temple itself, which has a colonnaded porch. The west hall of the temple contains hieroglyphics. Photos inside document the long history of the temple, including the reconstruction project in Madrid.
The Templo de Debod is situated next to a large pool in a park with fine views of Almudena Cathedral and the city of Madrid. It is beautifully illuminated at night, with its image reflected in the water. The park surrounding the temple is one of the best places in Madrid to watch (and photograph) the sunset.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Templo de Debod |
| Dedicated to: | Amun and Isis |
| Location: | Madrid, Madrid, Spain |
| Category: | Egyptian temples |
| Faith: | Ancient Egyptian |
| Status: | ruins |
| Architecture: | Egyptian |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 40.424123° N, 3.717799° W (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Paseo Pintor de Rosales 2, Madrid, Spain |
| Phone: | 91-366-74-15 |
| Website: | www.munimadrid.es/templodebod |
| Hours: | Apr-Sep: Tue-Fri 9:45am-1:45pm and 6.15-8:15pm Oct-Mar: Tue-Fri 9:45am-1:45pm and 4.15-6:15pm All year: Sat-Sun 9:45am-1:45pm |
| Cost: | Free |
| Photography: | Permitted |
| Public transport: | Metro: Plaza de España or Ventura Rodríguez Bus: 25, 39, 46, 74, or 138 |
Travel Resources
- Madrid Map - our detailed interactive map of Madrid, plus hand-picked links to more
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- Madrid Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
- Madrid Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Madrid tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Templo de Debod - Frommer's Madrid
- Templo de Debod - Fodor's Spain
- Templo de Debod - City of Madrid
- Reviews of the Templo de Debod - TripAdvisor traveler reviews
Article last updated: 07/17/2009.
