The Temple of Debod was built in the second century BC in southern Egypt, close to Aswan. When the Aswan dam was to be built in the 1960s, UNESCO called for other countries to adopt a monument. Spain volunteered and so this temple was moved to Madrid and rebuilt close to the Royal palace.
According to Wikipedia and a photo of the temple in Egypt, the two archways are in the wrong order and drawings from 200 years ago show three arches, but one must have fallen down.
I had not expected to be able to go into the temple itself, but we could and photos were allowed (but not flash). A detail of the pillars.
The walls are covered with carvings depicting gods.
Whilst we were in the area, we were looking at restaurants for the evening. This building houses the top restaurant in Madrid. We decided on the 12th best restaurant on the list on this occasion.
This garden is next to the top restaurant and the colourful mosque can be seen from the gardens.
We then headed for the Royal Palace and the Sabatini (royal) gardens.
The Opera and a kiosk on our way home.
After a rest, we headed out for the evening passing the back of the Royal Palace and the Egyptian temple again.
We enjoyed a very good 7 course tasting menu at Metro Bistro close to the Egyptian temple. Seaweed and sea anemone.
Sweet cannelloni with mango.
- Pat and John on tour
