Diada de Sant Jordi

Diada de Sant Jordi

 On a cultural note, on April 23, Catalunya celebrates the Diada de Sant Jordi (Feast Day of Saint George, patron of Catalunya)  and El Dia del Llibre (The Day of the Book) with many regional customs:  Book and flower stalls are set up along the streets of Barcelona. People will go looking for a gift for their their family, friends, and partners. You will be able to find the latest publications, see well-known artists signing copies of their books, and of course, smell the scent of the roses. Traditionally, boys will give girls a flower, and girls give boys a book.

The image on the right was taken today by a friend (@roser_n) and shared. It shows Gaudí's Casa Batlló, Barcelona, decorated with lots of roses. The facade of the building is said to resemble a drac (Dragon), and according to legend, Sant Jordi is said to have slain a dragon in his efforts to help the inhabitants of a city.

For more cultural details and video, click on the link https://www.casabatllo.es/en/saint-georges-day/

Templo de Debod

Templo de Debod

In January, I visited the magnificent Templo de Debod located in the Parque del Oeste in Madrid. Built in the 2nd century BCE in Upper Egypt by the Kushite king Adikhalaman, the structure constitutes one of the few examples of ancient Egyptian architecture outside Egypt. The Egyptian state donated the temple to Spain in 1968 as a sign of gratitude for Spanish assistance in saving architectural sites affected by the construction of the Aswan Dam.

The Parque del Oeste, an urban green area developed in the early 20th century and expanded during the second half of the century, houses the Egyptian structures and provides an open space for these ancient temples.  The reconstructed buildings were open in July of 1972. The entrance to this site is free.

A reflecting pool surrounds the Temple and highlights the differences between the modern Madrid surroundings and the ancient world that created these structures. Once inside, one can see various chambers, including chapels and crypts that give an insight into the rich complexity of ancient Egypt. Stunning ancient reliefs line some of the walls. And the columns that lead into the Osiris Chapel are impressive and a vital reminder of the cultural heritage of Egypt.
 

How to get there

The Templo de Debod is located on the Calle Ferraz, a short distance from the Plaza de España.

Entrance is free.

Hours 

Closed Mondays.

From Oct. 1 to March 3:

• Tues. - Fri. --  9:45 to 13:45 & 16.15 to 18.15
• Sat., Sun. and holidays -- 9:30 to 20:00

July 1 to Sept. 15:

• Tues. - Fri. -- 10 to 14 & 18 to 20
• Sat., Sun. and holidays -- 9:30 to 19:0

 Transportation: 

 By Metro: 

Plaza de España (lines 3 & 10) 

By Bus:

Line 74 (stop Calle Ferraz)
Lines 25, 39, 46, 75, 138 & C1 (stop Cuesta de San Vicente-Cadarso)
Lines 3, 44, 133, 148 & C2 (stop Plaza de España)
Lines 1, 2, 74 (stop Princesa-Ventura Rodríguez)

The site is not handicapped accessible.

A brochure is available. Click here.