English
Spain
One of the few remaining ancient Egyptian temples outside of Egypt is the Temple of Debod in Madrid, Spain. The Egyptian king Ptolemy IV had this temple constructed and dedicated to the deity Amun in the second century BC. Unfortunately, the temple and the community of Debod experienced inundation as a result of the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 20th century. The temple was taken apart, brought to Madrid, and rebuilt at the Park del Oeste in order to preserve it.
The Temple of Debod exhibits stunning sandstone temple architecture from ancient Egypt. It has detailed carvings and reliefs of several gods and pharaohs. The temple also has a reflecting pool, which was added when it was rebuilt in Madrid and adds to the serene and lovely ambience.
The Temple of Debod is a prime example of Spanish and Egyptian cultural interchange in addition to its stunning architecture. It was sent to Madrid as a gift from the Egyptian government to Spain in appreciation for its efforts to protect the Abu Simbel temples when the Aswan High Dam was being built. The temple is still a well-liked tourist destination in Madrid today, giving people a chance to learn about the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt.
