Templo de Debod
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This is an ancient Egyptian temple in Madrid. It was originally made in 200 BC close to Aswan, Egypt. Because the Spanish government helped the Egyptian government in a campaign to save monuments during the building of the Aswan dam, in 1968 Egypt gave the temple to Spain as a gift. Around the temple is a beautiful park where you can see the royal palace.
I've never really understood Templo de Debod. It's often on people's list to visit but I'm not sure why. You see the structures, then move on. You can go inside but I'm not sure it's anything special. There's some history to where they came from, but with many other special historic spots to visit, I wouldn't go out of my way for this one. On the flip side, the park is beautiful and it's got a great view of the city and the palace.
The Templo de Debod is a stone's throw (well more!) away from Plaza de España. It's a structure worth seeing and you can get panoramic views from behind of the town and the royal palace. Unfortunately, the line was too long so I couldn't make it in the temple itself. However, there's also a nice park next to it where you can walk around and enjoy the greenery and views. I came here basically after I got to my hotel (or effectively hours after my flight). I'm not sure if there was a better time to view with fewer tourists, but maybe that's worth considering if trying to go. Fortunately, it's really not that far from Centro if you're staying in the area.
The line was like everlasting and it moved in a glacial pace. I didn't even get to go inside, in fact we were close to the gate before they cut us off. It's free but you're better off just taking some pictures then leaving. I would have to say if you're there around sunset, stick around to get some magnificent pictures with the sun in the background.
Just a review for outside the temple, didn't bother entering. Located off in the corner of El Centro de Madrid, this intriguing (reconstructed) Egyptian monument is worth a brief detour for the views at sunset. Tons of social media show this awesome landmark surrounded by water and timing with the sunset makes for great images. Unfortunately we arrived to no reflective pool, but got the cotton candy sky sunset at least. Kind of a let down after walking a bit, although there is a train stop that does get you somewhat close if you want to skip extra city sight seeing. The backside of the temple does sit on a hill which gives you great views into Madrid as well. Admittedly this attraction wasn't high priority to visit, but do it for the 'gram right?
We came here because we were intrigued by the thought of an Egyptian temple being in a park in Madrid. It sounds cool right? Well, the line to get into the temple was ridiculous so we just took a few photos of the outside. The fact that they were imported is the most interesting thing about this whole scene, but you can snap a couple photos and be done in 10 minutes. Sunset is the right time to come here to get the best photos. The view in Parque Del Oestre is also nice. Otherwise, a little underwhelming of an experience. If you are in the area then it it worth a stop but not worth going out of your way to come here.
I'm kind of disappointed that it took me so long to visit Templo de Debod in Madrid. I had been to Madrid multiple times in the past few years, but never had enough time to visit this place. Background: A piece of Ancient Egypt (2nd century) in Madrid, of course I had to see it. The temple was first located in Egypt but in the 1960s they were building many things near it and were scared from the floods which could have occurred from the dam construction. So, UNESCO stepped in to try to relocate it before Templo de Debod got wiped out. Egypt donated it to Spain since Spain helped save the Abu Simbel temples. Debod is located in Parque del Oeste Park which is near the Royal Palace of Madrid. Visit: This place has a calming factor with water and trees around it. It's one of the best places to see sunset in Madrid. The inside was closed due to technical issues when I visited, so only saw it from the outside. Check on their website before going to see if they are open inside.~
I love this park. It has one of the best sunsets in the Madrid centro area. To give you a little history, the temple was originally in Egypt but since Ethel Egyptian government was building a damn to ensure electricity to its people, the temple and other temples were in danger. Since they didn't have any money to preserve it the UNESCO with the help of the US, Spain, and other countries joined in to save these ruins. As a token of gratitude, Egypt gave these countries temples instead of a simple thanks. That's why the US has the big temple in the Metropolitan museum of art and this is also why Madrid has the Temple of Debod. Now that you know, you can visit a little bit of the Egyptian wonders in Madrid, completely complimentary, you can even go inside but you might have to wait. Also make sure you go to the park around the afternoon hours because the sunset is wonderful and you have amazing views of the area. Also, there are one of bakeries and todo places around, but a snack and go to the temple's park and enjoy it on one of the benches. It's very nice. Don't do it in the middle of summer though, we are talking spring and fall only!
This Egyptian temple is a must visit when you're in Madrid. The temple is considered the oldest building in Madrid and it was gifted by the Egyptian government to Spain. You can visit the temple for free and it's a self guided tour. They are closed on Mondays and some holidays. Line can be long to enter, but it's worth the wait.
Got here early, too early, I think it was around 8 in the morning, it was closed! Doh! But that's okay, the exterior of the temple is quite fascinating, and the surrounding park area is lovely as well. Originally an Egyptian temple built in the 2nd century BC, it was later given as a gift to Madrid from Egypt. This also acted as means of preserving the temple, due to its original proximity near a dam that was under construction. Fascinating...
2 months ago
We had a nice time walking around outside of it. I'm enjoying the history. It's a pretty cool monument. It would've been nice to go inside, but we did not plan ahead and we did not have tickets maybe next time. read more
Because nothing says Spanish like a 2nd-century Egyptian temple chilling in a park. Let's check it out. Found out this was a gift from Egypt, reassembled stone by stone. In the 1960s, Egypt was building the Aswan High Dam, which was going to flood a huge area full of ancient Nubian monuments. UNESCO launched an international campaign to help save them, and a bunch of countries, including Spain, stepped up with money, expertise, and support to relocate temples and preserve cultural heritage. As a thank-you, Egypt gifted the Temple of Debod to Spain in 1968. Other countries got temples too. Italy got the Temple of Ellesyia, the Netherlands got the Temple of Taffeh, and the U.S. got the Temple of Dendur, now in The Met in NYC. See? Kindness is rewarded. You'll get a temple. read more
This is an ancient Egyptian temple in Madrid. It was originally made in 200 BC close to Aswan, Egypt. Because the Spanish government helped the Egyptian government in a campaign to save monuments during the building of the Aswan dam, in 1968 Egypt gave the temple to Spain as a gift. Around the temple is a beautiful park where you can see the royal palace. read more
2 years ago
I've never really understood Templo de Debod. It's often on people's list to visit but I'm not sure why. You see the structures, then move on. You can go inside but I'm not sure it's anything special. There's some history to where they came from, but with many other special historic spots to visit, I wouldn't go out of my way for this one. On the flip side, the park is beautiful and it's got a great view of the city and the palace. read more
The Templo de Debod is a stone's throw (well more!) away from Plaza de España. It's a structure worth seeing and you can get panoramic views from behind of the town and the royal palace. Unfortunately, the line was too long so I couldn't make it in the temple itself. However, there's also a nice park next to it where you can walk around and enjoy the greenery and views. I came here basically after I got to my hotel (or effectively hours after my flight). I'm not sure if there was a better time to view with fewer tourists, but maybe that's worth considering if trying to go. Fortunately, it's really not that far from Centro if you're staying in the area. read more
The line was like everlasting and it moved in a glacial pace. I didn't even get to go inside, in fact we were close to the gate before they cut us off. It's free but you're better off just taking some pictures then leaving. I would have to say if you're there around sunset, stick around to get some magnificent pictures with the sun in the background. read more
Just a review for outside the temple, didn't bother entering. Located off in the corner of El Centro de Madrid, this intriguing (reconstructed) Egyptian monument is worth a brief detour for the views at sunset. Tons of social media show this awesome landmark surrounded by water and timing with the sunset makes for great images. Unfortunately we arrived to no reflective pool, but got the cotton candy sky sunset at least. Kind of a let down after walking a bit, although there is a train stop that does get you somewhat close if you want to skip extra city sight seeing. The backside of the temple does sit on a hill which gives you great views into Madrid as well. Admittedly this attraction wasn't high priority to visit, but do it for the 'gram right? read more
3 years ago
Beautiful egyptian temple... if time permits, walk past the temple for 5 mins (through a walkway of fall color trees) and u should be able to see the view of the city and Royal Palace... read more
7 years ago
Egyptian gift to Spaniards back in history. Now it's a charm in Madrid to drop by and visit! Cool site. Admirable scene and stroll. read more
2 years ago
We came here because we were intrigued by the thought of an Egyptian temple being in a park in Madrid. It sounds cool right? Well, the line to get into the temple was ridiculous so we just took a few photos of the outside. The fact that they were imported is the most interesting thing about this whole scene, but you can snap a couple photos and be done in 10 minutes. Sunset is the right time to come here to get the best photos. The view in Parque Del Oestre is also nice. Otherwise, a little underwhelming of an experience. If you are in the area then it it worth a stop but not worth going out of your way to come here. read more
I'm kind of disappointed that it took me so long to visit Templo de Debod in Madrid. I had been to Madrid multiple times in the past few years, but never had enough time to visit this place. Background: A piece of Ancient Egypt (2nd century) in Madrid, of course I had to see it. The temple was first located in Egypt but in the 1960s they were building many things near it and were scared from the floods which could have occurred from the dam construction. So, UNESCO stepped in to try to relocate it before Templo de Debod got wiped out. Egypt donated it to Spain since Spain helped save the Abu Simbel temples. Debod is located in Parque del Oeste Park which is near the Royal Palace of Madrid. Visit: This place has a calming factor with water and trees around it. It's one of the best places to see sunset in Madrid. The inside was closed due to technical issues when I visited, so only saw it from the outside. Check on their website before going to see if they are open inside.~ read more
I love this park. It has one of the best sunsets in the Madrid centro area. To give you a little history, the temple was originally in Egypt but since Ethel Egyptian government was building a damn to ensure electricity to its people, the temple and other temples were in danger. Since they didn't have any money to preserve it the UNESCO with the help of the US, Spain, and other countries joined in to save these ruins. As a token of gratitude, Egypt gave these countries temples instead of a simple thanks. That's why the US has the big temple in the Metropolitan museum of art and this is also why Madrid has the Temple of Debod. Now that you know, you can visit a little bit of the Egyptian wonders in Madrid, completely complimentary, you can even go inside but you might have to wait. Also make sure you go to the park around the afternoon hours because the sunset is wonderful and you have amazing views of the area. Also, there are one of bakeries and todo places around, but a snack and go to the temple's park and enjoy it on one of the benches. It's very nice. Don't do it in the middle of summer though, we are talking spring and fall only! read more
This Egyptian temple is a must visit when you're in Madrid. The temple is considered the oldest building in Madrid and it was gifted by the Egyptian government to Spain. You can visit the temple for free and it's a self guided tour. They are closed on Mondays and some holidays. Line can be long to enter, but it's worth the wait. read more
5 years ago
7 years ago
Got here early, too early, I think it was around 8 in the morning, it was closed! Doh! But that's okay, the exterior of the temple is quite fascinating, and the surrounding park area is lovely as well. Originally an Egyptian temple built in the 2nd century BC, it was later given as a gift to Madrid from Egypt. This also acted as means of preserving the temple, due to its original proximity near a dam that was under construction. Fascinating... read more
Bummed that I couldn't be here for the sunset and I'm bummed that there was some sort of air conditioning problem that had the interior closed for the last month or two. The outside is quite nice and you can get some very nice pictures with the temple and reflecting in the pool, but that's really about it. Of course, there's still a great view of the rest of Madrid from here too! read more
2 years ago
How often do you get to see a REAL Egyptian Temple? Unless you're in Egypt, I suppose the chances are slim. It was really a pleasure to be able to stop by this site. Tuesdays through Fridays entrance is free. The temple is small, and there's not a lot to see, so free is well worth it. The walls are adorned with carvings/pictures/hieroglyphics and they have various buttons to press to illuminate the scenes. It's quite interesting! Outside, the water feature and structures make for nice photos. Close by you can see semi-panoramic views of the city. It's important to note that many student groups/classes (old and young) visit for educational purposes. You may have to share small spaces with teens or 5 year olds, but I think it's worth it for the experience. read more
8 years ago
Stunning! Absolutely phuckin' stunning! Quick tip- Make sure you go during sunset so you can see how gorgeous this lovely temple is! This is one of the must do's when in Madrid. It's beautiful to see in the daylight but it's magnificent to see during sunset. El Templo de Debod is one of the remarkable monuments in Madrid that makes the city an open-air museum. The beautiful intact temple is one of the great and beautiful symbols of Madrid. If the other great cities of the world have obelisks from Egypt then Madrid has an authentic Egyptian temple in the heart of the city! The location is quiet and wonderful, with great views over the modern part of Madrid and the Palacio Real. Did I mention the lovely reflections in the water that surround the ruins? OMG. Just gorgeous! The carvings in the temple are well preserved and so is the shrine where the statue of the honored God was kept. Debod is a little piece of Egypt in the heart of Spain. The temple of Debod is beautifully lighted all through the night and the sunset is so stunning seen from the temple. This lovely temple can be reached through Plaza de España metro station. Enjoy! read more
One of the must-sees in Madrid, the Templo de Debod is indeed a sight that looks great at sunset. A gift from the Egyptian government in the 1970s, the temple was brought here to preserve it from flooding in Egypt. We arrived just as the sun was about to set and there were lots of people milling about, enjoying the mild April weather on a Saturday evening. There is a fountain at the rear of the temple and a large reflecting pool in the front of it. Definitely picture-worthy and best of all, it's free! read more
9 years ago
What a beautiful landmark! Temple of Debod was on my list of places to visit in Spain from Google and word of mouth. Once I looked it up and discovered it was an ancient Egyptian Temple that was dismantled, given to Spain as a gift and rebuilt, I was even more excited to see true ancient Egyptian work. The tour was free but I'm very impatient, the line was extremely long, and it seemed as if they were only letting people in two at a time. So I didn't enter the temple, I just enjoyed and appreciated the Temple from the outside. Plaza de España is only a two minute walk away. read more
3 years ago
This is an ancient Egyptian Temple that was dismantled and rebuilt in Madrid Spain. The entry into the temple is free. You can visit the temple and walk inside where you can see a video (in Spanish) before exploring the structures outside. You are allowed 30 minutes to explore the temple and take pictures. There was a line when I arrived but it did not take long to get my turn inside. It was great to explore but I really wish I had someone to go with me and take my pictures. read more
8 years ago
9 years ago
Come here about a half hour before the sun sets so you can take pics of the temple. Then wander to the back to see a view of the cathedrals to the left and the sun set in the centre back from the temple. You will see the small crowd with their slrs and smartphones. I was a bit disappointed with the view of the city as I was expecting something more spectacular. The sun set was nice considering I've never really watched one in my life! Kinda odd when one thinks of it. This may sound terrible but a few trees should be trimmed or cut to improve the view. Crowd is full of families to couples. Randoms selling water and beer. Everyone's pretty nice about allowing each other time to take pics at the temple and sunset area. Something worth doing as it's about a 30 min walk from Puerta del sol or three subways stops from sol station on 3 - getting off at Ventura Rodriguez and a 5 min walk. read more
The Templo de Debot is pretty much the highest point of a huge park that is perfect for outdoor activities like running, walking or just sitting down to enjoy the view! The monument itself doesn't appear all that inviting. read more
This is not an over the top Madrid sight, but then again it is free so what do you want? The temple is interesting just based on the age of it and the fact that it is not something you see in most places. The visit will not take you more than 30-minutes, but it is not bad if you have the time to get there. It is not in the direct path of the other tourist spots, but there are a few sights in the area worth checking out. There is a nice part nearby and nice views of Madrid and the palace from the hill. read more
One of the odder sights in Madrid. We were recommended to go to Parque del Oeste for the view. Casually dropped into conversation was the "Egyptian temple". As we made our way through the park, we spotted it, just sitting on the top of a hill. It was a bit surreal seeing this 2,000 year old temple propped in the middle of a pond like an ornament. I'm still glad we went to see it, but I wouldn't search it out unless you were staying nearby. read more
7 years ago
7 years ago
Cool historical place to visit well in Spain. Definitely the place to be at when the sunset but not sure why their was no water. read more
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Templo de Debod - landmarks - Updated July 2026
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