Western Park & Temple of Debod
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Temple of Debod - by Illán Riestra Nava on Unsplash
Description
The Western Park (Parque del Oeste) is a 75ha park developed at the end of the 19th century to the northwest of Plaza de España in Madrid. The main features are the Rose Garde, the gondola lift to the Casa de Campo and the Temple of Debod. The Egyptian temple was donated to Spain in 1968 by the Egyptian state to acknowledge the country's assistance in preserving the Abu Simbel temples that were being threatened by the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960's. The shrine was built around 200BC and originally located near the religious centre of Philae. It measures 12mx15m and was dedicated to Isis of Philae. There are plans to fully cover the monument to protect it from the natural elements.
Access & Transport
The southern side of the Parc where the temple is located is best reached from the Ventura Rodriguez metro station (3) or Principe Pio train station (C1, C7, C10) whilst the Moncloa metro station (3, 6) is adjacent to the north-eastern end of the park. For those intending to drive, there are parking spots inside.
Instructions & Recommendations
We recommend combining this activity with Madrid's Royal Palace & Garden, Plaza de España & Gran Vía or, if you are looking for more green spaces, a visit to the Casa de Campo Park.
Environmental & Social
We deem this activity to be marginally positive from an environmental standpoint, on account of the green space and trees. Likewise, a positive in terms of improving the living environment of residents.
Conclusion
The Parque del Oeste is quite centrally located and makes for a perfect green break within a short distance to both the Centro and Malasaña neighbourhoods. It also has attractions in its own rights with the Temple of Debod and the Rose Garden - not quite a city highlight, but an enjoyable addition to any itinerary of more than 2-3 days in Madrid.
Key positive
Nice views over the city and easy to get to
The Temple gives an unexpected special touch
Key negative
Limit on number of visitors to the temple and water not always present in the surrounding pool
Suitability
Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility although do note the park is far from being flat
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:1h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo