The Temple of Debod: A Piece of Ancient Egypt in the Heart of Madrid
Between Parque del Oeste and Plaza de España, there’s a unique spot in Madrid—Parque del Cuartel de la Montaña—where it feels like you can travel through space and time. Okay, maybe not literally, but you might feel like you’ve stepped into ancient Egypt, more than 2,200 years ago. Welcome to the Temple of Debod.
Yes, you read that right—Madrid has a real Egyptian temple dedicated to the gods Amun and Isis. It’s already mesmerizing from the outside, but once you step inside, where every effort has been made to recreate its original atmosphere, it becomes even more impressive.
Why is there an Egyptian temple in Madrid?
A fair question! The Temple of Debod was a gift from the Egyptian government to Spain. In the mid-20th century, Spain helped save several temples in the Nubian Valley that were at risk of being submerged due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam on the Nile. As a thank-you, Egypt donated this temple to Spain.
How did the Temple of Debod get to Madrid?
Its stones were first moved in 1960 to Elephantine Island after being dismantled from its original location, which was set to be flooded. In 1969, archaeologist Martín Almagro Basch and his team led the transportation effort, which involved shipping the stones by boat and by road.
First, the stones traveled down the Nile on barges to Alexandria, then by cargo ship to Valencia. From there, 90 trucks transported 1,350 boxes—each containing parts of the temple—all the way to central Madrid. That’s how the Temple of Debod ended up on the Montaña de Príncipe Pío, where it still stands today.
Visiting the Temple
Entry is free, and visits are self-guided. Although reservations aren’t required, it’s a good idea to book in advance through the Madrid City Council’s website, especially since only 10 people are allowed inside at a time. It’s a popular spot, so you might need to wait your turn.
Opening Hours
The temple is open from Tuesday to Sunday, including public holidays, from 10 AM to 8 PM. The last admission is half an hour before closing. It’s closed every Monday (even if it's a holiday), as well as on January 1 and 6, May 1, and December 24, 25, and 31.
How long does a visit take?
Visits are limited to a maximum of 30 minutes.
Fun Fact
The Temple of Debod is the oldest monument in Madrid. The fact that you can visit it today is thanks to a painstaking restoration and transport process that brought the temple stone by stone from Egypt to Spain.
How to Get There
The closest metro stations are Plaza de España (lines 3 and 10) and Ventura Rodríguez (line 3). You can also take several city buses—lines 1, 2, 3, 25, 39, 44, 46, 74, 75, 133, 138, 148, C1, and C2 all stop nearby.
What Can You Do at the Temple of Debod?
Besides exploring the temple itself, you can relax in the surrounding gardens—perfect for a picnic, reading, going for a walk, or simply enjoying the peaceful setting. And of course, don’t miss the sunset—one of the most beautiful in Madrid.
Sunset Views
Without a doubt, one of the best sunsets you’ll see in Madrid is from the viewpoint in the gardens around the temple. From there, you can watch the sun dip behind the trees of Casa de Campo while the city behind you is bathed in golden-orange light. If you’re looking for a romantic date idea in Madrid, this might just be the winner.
This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025.