Another of the most visited and significant sights of Madrid is certainly the Egyptian Temple of Debod. If you love ancient Egypt, but also magical sunsets and sunrises, then you should not miss this place. The feeling that is gained here remains forever in your memory. These are images that do not pass. The Egyptian Temple of Debod dates from the second century BC, and the Egyptians dedicated it to the goddess Isis. Its original location was on the Egyptian island of Philae, on the Nile River. During the construction of the Aswan Dam in the 1960s, Lake Nasser was created, which flooded many ancient buildings along the Nile River. To save some of the ancient masterpieces, the Egyptians decided to dismantle them and move them to other locations.
In the 20th century, thanks to the construction of a dam by Madrid engineers, the Egyptian government donated a temple to the city of Madrid. Since Spain is the seat of culture, the temple dedicated to the goddess Isis got a new location, the city park Cuartel de la Montaña in Madrid. It is surrounded by water which gives a beautiful reflection in the water and creates an amazing view during sunset and sunrise.
The chapel is small, it can accommodate up to 15 people, and contains a basement and two rooms and stairs leading to the roof. There are reliefs on the walls that tell the story of the gods.
In order to better understand the temple and its history, its significance and majesty, audio-visual materials are projected on the walls, and there are also models.
The temple was opened to the public in 1972. Impressive gardens were created around the temple in 1968. Designer Manuel Herrero Palacios designed 8 hectares of gardens.
Entrance to the temple is FREE
Working hours of the temple
Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 7pm
The temple is closed for visits on Mondays and duing the month of December
Author of the text:
Maja Glavaš, Bachelor with Honours in Communicology. Works in Tourism.
Contact: [email protected]; instagram: travel_europe1
Photo credit David Catalan
