I’m always on the lookout for unique sites when I travel. If they’re unique and budget-friendly, that’s a total plus in my book. This time around, I had some time to explore some of Madrid’s streets. However, I found a site that’s unique and underrated. It’s also free. Templo de Debod is literally an Egyptian temple in the middle of the big Madrid metropolis.

Templo de Debod, located near the royal palace of Madrid at Parque del Oeste, is beautiful and very picturesque. Although the moat that surrounds it had evaporated! However, it was closed when I arrived. Unfortunately, I only saw it from a distance. Because, the sun is so hot these days, I was one of the few tourists today.

Currently, it’s the only one of its kind in Madrid and one of few works seen outside of Egypt on the planet. Dedicated to the god Amon of Thebes, they say the goddess Isis gave birth to her son inside this temple.

As history has it, this temple was constructed in Egypt, but the rising waters of Lake Nasser endangered its presence. As the UNESCO team figured out how to save it, they decided to give it to Spain for helping them maintain the Abu Simbel Temples in the past. A dam was then constructed at Lake Nasser, and the rich history of this temple was saved.

It’s beautiful but the summer is extremely hot. Drink plenty of water. The entrance gate is closed between 2-6 pm. I say go when it’s open so you can take your time to explore it. The history of this area of Madrid is so rich, you’re going to need several hours to hop on over to the Royal Palace, which is up the street in a nearby park.

Let Me Break It Down For You:

Take the Line 3 (the yellow line) to Arguelles, then walk the few blocks to Parque del Oeste.

The park is free to enter.

Templo de Debod: closed from 2pm-6pm daily.

Do I recommend it? Yes, it’s different, beautiful, picturesque and free!

If you need more info on this I found a good website that gives you specific time schedules per season. It also looks like its closed every Monday.

Here is the website just in case: http://www.madridtourist.info/debod_temple.html