In the park over the road from the Museo Cerralbo is the Temple of Debod, built in Egypt in the 2nd century BC, but gifted to Spain by Egypt in 1968 as a thank-you to Spain for helping with the rescue of ancient monuments. Originally set in water its three sections now sit on sand. It may seem a bit mean to give an authentic ancient temple only 3*, especially considering it's free. But only 10 people are allowed in at a time, which can lead to long queues. We made the calculation – at least an hour’s wait – and decided to view from the outside only. Because you can see the site anyway; it’s just the exhibition you miss.

The wait was very long because they don’t let people in until the visitors inside came out. The wait was about two hours and not at peak time. The inside of the temple is small, but actually very interesting. It was brought to Madrid from the Nubian valley when the Aswan Dam was being built in order to preserve it. The dedications to the gods were preserved well.

The Templo de Debod is an Egyptian temple, dedicated to the Egyptian god Amon and goddess Isis (symbols of fertility). It is one of the few buildings of Ancient Egyptian architecture to be found outside Egypt and the only one in Spain. The temple dates back to the second century BC and was originally a chapel, Later Egypt rulers expanded the chapel by adding new rooms. The Templo de Debod, as the name suggests, comes from Debod in the Nile valley, not far from Aswan. When the Aswan Dam was modernized in the year 1960, UNESCO called on other countries to help protect (so that they would not be flooded) many valuable monuments. Spain helped protect the temples of Abu Simbel and received the Templo de Debod as a thank you from the Egyptian government. Stone by stone, the temple was then dismantled in 1969 and shipped to Valencia, where it was taken to Madrid by train. In 1972, the reconstruction of the temple was completed and it was opened to the public.

It was amazing from the outside. Because there are no reservations, it takes a long tome to get in and we did not have the time to wait. I was sad to miss seeing the interior as I am sure it would have been worth it. Also, being closed on Mondays during the peak holiday season may not be the best choice. Nice place to take pictures and move on.

I loved the temple. I came here at around 8:20 and it was beautiful! It was just about sunset and there was plenty of much needed shade. The temple is beautiful from the outside with plenty of photogenic spots. Unfortunately, the temple was not open when I visited, but that’s ok. Behind the temple was a beautiful panoramic view of the city, which was truly spectacular. Overall, I highly recommend visiting here when in Madrid.

One of the more unique attractions in Madrid -- an Egyptian temple in the city! It is well worth a visit as the temple and surrounding plaza is visually stunning. We went right at sunset and were afforded just marvelous views. It is a bit out of the way, but go. Great vistas and nice picture taking opportunities.

The wait for this thing is soul destroying. You have to stand in a very slow moving queue in the hot sun at the whim of three strutting half_cops who couldn't even run a brewery drinking session. When you get in it is over in 5 minutes, not as good as the borrowed treasures in the British Museum, mostly empty rectangular rooms. Best things are the small models upstairs. It is an exercise in patience which I would advise any sane person to skip.

I joined the queue around 10.30am on a Tuesday morning and it was just over an hour's wait. They only allow in a certain number of people at a time. The temple was moved to Madrid when the Nile was dammed to save it. I've been lucky enough to visit Egypt and see temples there and this one is relatively small and not that interesting, but it's worth a visit if you're in Madrid, have time and are interested in Ancient Egypt (particularly as it's free). There's a model upstairs showing what the Upper Nile looked like before the dam was built and how the temple fitted in amongst all of the others there.

We joined what looked like a small line but it took about two hours to get in as they only allow a small group of 6 people or so at a time. It was worth the wait. Inside it is well labeled and we were not rushed to get out once we got in. It is amazing that this really old structure was transported from Egypt and reconstructed here. Surprisingly it is free to visit.

The waiting was the worst part of this whole experience. Waited in line for about an hour and a half. They only allow 6 people at a time in. There’s not a lot inside to be honest but an insight into what the temple looked like in Egypt and also some stones and artifacts from the original temple inside. You see most of the temple outside anyway.