This is a memorable spot for me as a kid living in Madrid, and for history of not only the temple but the Spanish Civil War. Hope you enjoy the new post with older pictures just found in my vault on the Temple of Debod !!
I thought of something unique and semi hidden in Madrid, but a must to visit. This is the Temple of Debod in the parque del Oeste and more precisely in the parque de la montaña (where an old Civil War hq was ). Today visitors and younger generation flock to the temple to see the history of the Egyptian monument without realising the sacrifice that was done here. I know, I have taken my boys several times as well as beauty and history are a great lesson, And do see my other post on it in my blog.
As you know at least from my previous post ,the temple, originated from ancient Egypt and 2,200 years old, is an Egyptian gift to Spain to thank it for its collaboration in saving the temples of Nubia. The Temple of Debod was dedicated on July 20, 1972 after two years of reconstruction. The temple has two floors. There is a very interesting model on the upper floor, where you will discover all the temples that existed in Nubia. Do not miss it.
Originally, this monument stood in the Nile Valley, some 31 km from Aswan. It was built in the 2nd century BC. But following a rise in water that threatened this part of the city, the temple was dismantled stone by stone between 1969 and 1970. The Egyptian government then decided to offer it to Spain. Indeed Spain helped the Egyptians to save the monuments of the Aswan valley at the time of the construction of the dam. The stones of the temple were in fact transported by boat to Valencia before then transporting them by train to Madrid. It was put on the land where the former headquarters of La Montaña was located.
Near the Temple of Debod on the esplanade to the side , there is a fantastic mirador or lookout . Before you leave, come and enjoy its stunning views. To go the exact address is Calle Ferraz 1. By metro/subway/tube get off at the Plaza de España stop lines 2, 3 and 10 or in Ventura Rodríguez line 3 that although it is somewhat further, you can walk to the temple perfectly . We enjoy the bus and lines 3, 46, 74, 75, 148 and C2 can take you there too.
The Madrid tourist office on the Temple of Debod: https://www.esmadrid.com/en/tourist-information/templo-de-debod
The specialised city of Madrid site Memories of Madrid on the Temple of Debod : http://templodedebod.memoriademadrid.es/eng/index.html
There you go folks, another wonderful sight to see in my dear Madrid ,a city made for life and families, wonderful memories of always. Hope you enjoy the historical Temple of Debod as I.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 