Debod


The Temple of Debod in Madrid is one of the most unusual architectural monuments, since it is by no means of Spanish origin, and is an order of magnitude higher than any other sights of the Spanish capital : Debod is an Egyptian temple and its age is more than two millennia.

Egyptian Temple History

The temple of Debod was erected in honor of Amun in the 4th century BC, and later was completed and dedicated to Isis. The temple was an important religious center and the center of pilgrimage - on the day of the Ancient Egyptian New Year, a solemn procession led by the priests transferred the statue of Isis to the chapel of Osiris. The statue "was energized" so that it would be possible to turn to her for predictions for a whole year.

History of the appearance of the temple in Spain

The temple of Debod appeared in the Spanish capital due to the construction of the Aswan hydroelectric complex - a threat of flooding of a number of temples in the Nile valley was made, and the international community decided to move them (besides, one day the temple was already damaged by the flooding after the breakthrough of the Aswan Dam and some of it bas-reliefs were destroyed by this flooding). So, Debod in 1972 was in Madrid in gratitude for the active participation of Spain in the rescue of Abu Simbel. It was transported by sea and installed in the Quartel de Montagna park (during transportation some stones were lost). For him, a pool was specially created.

What to see?

Two locks lead to the temple; they are placed in a different order than in the original - in the "Spanish version" the gate is located on the other side, not the way it was in the "Egyptian version." The rest in the arrangement of the temple corresponds to the original version: it is surrounded by water and its axis is oriented strictly from east to west.

The temple is beautiful in the daytime, but especially - in the night, when it is illuminated and reflected in the surface of the water. Inside there is also a lot of interesting. Photos tell about the history of the temple, including his "move" to Madrid. In the western hall of the temple you can see ancient hieroglyphics. In the chapel, which is the most ancient part of the temple, the walls depict ritual acts. In addition, you can see video materials and models, dedicated to this temple, as well as other Egyptian and Nubian temples.

When and how to visit the temple?

The Temple of Debod in Madrid is open for visits from Tuesday to Sunday (except on public holidays). Weekends: all Mondays, 1 and 6 January, 1 May, 25 December. Visiting is free of charge. You can reach the park by metro (lines 3 and 10), go to the Plaza de Espana station (10 minutes walk from the temple there is another landmark of the country - Plaza de EspaƱa ), or - bus routes No. 25, 33, 39, 46, 74 , 75, 148. The address is Calle Ferraz, 1.