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Temple of Debod
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · ES

Temple of Debod

Getting around: In western Madrid near Plaza de España, a short walk from the Plaza de España metro station.
Hours: Typically open Tuesday-Sunday with seasonal variation (roughly 10:00-20:00 in summer, shorter in winter), closed Mondays; the surrounding park is open longer hours and free at all times.

The Temple of Debod is an authentic ancient Egyptian temple, dating to around the 2nd century BC, gifted to Spain by Egypt in 1968 in gratitude for Spanish assistance in saving monuments threatened by the Aswan Dam's flooding, and reconstructed stone by stone in a Madrid park. It's an unusual sight to find in the middle of a European capital, a genuine Nubian temple relocated intact rather than a replica.

The temple itself is compact and can be seen fairly quickly, but the surrounding park is one of the best sunset viewpoints in Madrid, looking west over the Casa de Campo and the sky beyond, making it a popular evening spot for both visitors and locals independent of the temple's opening hours.

Temple of Debod FAQs

Is it a real ancient Egyptian temple?

Yes, an authentic temple dating to around the 2nd century BC, gifted by Egypt to Spain and reconstructed in Madrid, not a replica.

Why is it in Madrid?

Egypt gifted it to Spain in 1968 in recognition of Spanish help saving Nubian monuments from flooding caused by the Aswan Dam.

Do I need to pay to see it?

The surrounding park is free at all times; entering the temple interior requires a (typically free but ticketed) timed visit during open hours.

Is it good for sunset?

Yes, it's one of the most popular sunset spots in Madrid, with open western views over the Casa de Campo.

How long does a visit take?

15-20 minutes for the temple interior, longer if you linger in the park for the view.

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