Staff Reporter
Spain is known for its incredible architecture, which is a major draw for domestic and international tourism. There are also some amazing ancient sites worth visiting in the country that some people may not be aware of.
Did you know that you can get a taste of ancient Egyptian life without having to leave Spain? The Temple of Debod is a fascinating piece of architecture that was originally located in Southern Egypt and then donated to the Spanish in the 1960s.
Fascination with Ancient Cultures in Entertainment
It could be said that Spain should be doing more to promote its ancient temples, like the Temple of Debod, to tourists. If you look across the entertainment industry, there’s a widespread fascination with these ancient buildings. For instance, a vast number of online casino players play Temple Tumble slot, and it’s one of the most popular options on the market. The game from Relax Gaming is set in an Aztec temple, but it also appeals to players who love the ancient Egyptian genre.
Outside of the online casino sector, temples have also been prevalent in other areas of gaming. For instance, Imangi Studios’ Temple Run is one of the most popular mobile games. The Tomb Raider and Uncharted series are up there with the best games on console, and both of those series have a heavy focus on temples too.
Temple of Debod Was Originally Based in Southern Egypt
For people looking for a direct portal to the past, the Temple of Debod in Madrid is well worth checking out. The remarkable structure was originally built in the 2nd Century near Aswan in Southern Egypt. It had to be moved in the 1960s due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam, as it was at risk of being submerged by Lake Nasser’s rising waters.
Spain was gifted the temple around that time because of its assistance in helping to save other endangered sites such as Abu Simbel. Incredibly, the building was dismantled brick by brick and then carefully reassembled in Madrid’s Parque del Oeste. It opened in 1972 and is one of the best examples in the world of international cooperation in the preservation of cultural heritage.
What Other Ancient Temples Are Worth Visiting in Spain?
The Temple of Debod isn’t the only architectural marvel of yesteryear to visit in Spain. There are plenty of other locations that could do with more promotion to attract tourists. One of the best sites is the Roman Temple of Córdoba, which dates to the 1st Century AD. Unfortunately, only a few columns and the foundation remain, but it does give a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Rome.
The Temple of Diana in Mérida is another 1st Century AD Roman temple dedicated to one of the civilization’s most famous goddesses. Accompanied by the Sanctuary of Santa Eulalia, it highlights how the area was an important region for religious activity in the Roman period.
The Temple of Debod is a special location, and it should receive more promotion to increase tourism. Spain has some architectural gems, but the ancient Egyptian site must be up there with the best.
