On a small hill located between Plaza de España and Rio Manzanares you will find the Temple of Debod. This structure was brought from Egypt to Spain in the 1970’s.
The temple comes from the village of Devod and was built there during the 2nd Century BC. It was originally erected on a site close to the Nile just 15km from Aswan.
But in the 1960’s construction of the Aswan Dam was about to begin. As a resu
lt of this several archeological sites and ancient monuments were under threat. To prevent the lost of such historical artifacts UNESCO sent out a call asking for countries to help save them.
As the Spanish government helped to save the Temples of Abu Simbel the Egyptian government chose to donate the above temple to Spain.
Immediately after this the temple was dismantled and transported to Madrid. It was then rebuilt in what is one of Madrid’s most beautiful parks and was finally officially opened to the public in 1972. Even today access to the temple is free.
The most romantic spots in Madrid
Although you are able to visit the Temple throughout the day, the best time to go is when the sun is about to set. During the summer this is around 9pm and you’ll find it is one of the most romantic spots in Madrid.
The Temple of Debod Madrid sits in a park that is then flanked by some of the city’s most important sites. As the Madrid sunset occurs you can enjoy looking at the effect the sunlight has on such buildings as the Royal Palace or the Guadarrama Mountains. The only other places that will offer such views as this are some of the roof top bars. But they won’t provide you with the peace and solitude as this location does.
To reach it is just a short walk uphill. Once you reach it you’ll soon see why this spot is so popular with so many people, especially the more romantic amongst us. In fact why not arrive a little earlier say just before the temple is due to close. But if you intend to Madrid in August be aware that the temple is only open from 10am until 2pm Tuesday to Sunday. Whereas through April to July and then September it is open from 10am to 2pm and 6pm to 8pm Tuesday to Friday. As for the weekends and holidays it is open only from 10am until 2pm.
For anyone who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city then this is the place to go. In fact make it even more romantic by taking a small picnic with you that you and a loved one can enjoy as you watch the sun slowly fade away.
