Discover the ancestral Temple of Debod in Madrid

Originating in ancient Egypt, the Temple of Debod was offered by Egypt to Spain in 1968 as a token of gratitude for its efforts to save the Abu Simbel temples in Nubia. The temples were in danger of being buried when the Aswan dam was built.

This monument, over 2,000 years old and saved by a team of Spanish archaeologists, was dismantled and brought back stone by stone to Madrid before being rebuilt in its current location. The building has two floors devoted to the history of the Temple of Debod and the other temples that existed in Nubia.

A scale model gives you an idea of what the temple looked like on Egyptian soil before it was dismantled. You'll also find a wealth of information and representations of Egyptian mythology and society, as well as explanations of the hieroglyphs.

The Adijalamani Chapel lies at the heart of the Temple of Debod. Built in 185 BC by King Adijalamani of Meroe, an ancient kingdom in southern Egypt, the temple houses a chapel with astonishing scenes in relief on its walls depicting the king during ceremonies dedicated to offerings made to the various Egyptian gods, in particular Amun of Debod (hence the name commonly given to the temple).

A visit to the Temple of Debod and its Adijalamani chapel promises a trip to Egyptian lands right in the centre of Madrid, not to be missed!

After visiting the Egyptian and Madrid monument, take advantage of its location to explore the superb gardens that surround it. Designed in 1968 by Manuel Herrero Palacios, these gardens are set in the remains of the Cuartel de la Montaña, and feature squares adorned with plane trees, clumps of palms and Mediterranean plants.

From here you can also access the famous Manzanares cornice and admire the backdrop of Madrid' s majestic Royal Palace and the emblematic Casa de Campo. The site is also a meeting place for locals and travellers alike, who love the superb sunsets over the city that can be enjoyed here.