Point of interest
Templo de Debod
in Madrid, Spain
A genuine ancient Egyptian temple gifted to Spain, with Madrid's best sunset over the Casa de Campo.
Where it is
The ancient Egyptian temple stands in the Parque de la Montaña, part of the Parque del Oeste, above the Plaza de España and not far from the Royal Palace.
Address: Calle Profesor Martín Almagro Basch, 28008 Madrid
What it is
It is one of the few ancient Egyptian structures rebuilt outside Egypt and the only one of its kind in Spain. Entry is free, and it is most popular at sunset, when the temple mirrors in its reflecting pool and the view opens over the city.
History
The temple was built in the early 2nd century BC south of Aswan. Egypt gave it to Spain in 1968 in thanks for its help in saving the Nubian monuments from the Aswan Dam; it was rebuilt stone by stone in Madrid and opened to the public in 1972.