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.

 

Casa Golferichs

Casa Golferichs

The Casa Golferichs sits on the Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, one of the busiest boulevards in Barcelona. Built in 1901 by Macari Golferichs i Losada, a prominent figure in early 20th-century Catalunya and supporter of Modernisme aesthetics, the private residence was designed by the architect Joan Rubió i Bellver whose work was influenced by Gaudí. The building is affectionately known as El Xalet and houses a cultural center operated by Districte de l’Eixample.

The structure came close to being demolished in the 1970s, but the Ajuntament de Barcelona decided to preserve the structure and to restore the building with the purpose of preserving its artistic and cultural significance. The building serves as the quarters of the Golferichs Centre Civic, which offers local residents a range of conferences and discussions, exhibitions and adult education courses, and organizes various thematic walking tours of the city.

 



The structure displays many of the quirky design elements associated with the Catalan modernista movement. The exterior elements of the house utilize masonry, ceramics, ironwork, and wood to give the structure a distinctive Neomedieval look. The eaves and roof of the house echo this medievalism. In its interiors, one also finds similar design tendencies, with ample use of ceramics tiles and ornate woodwork to evoke the medieval period.

In a city full of spectacular examples of Catalan modernisme, this building offers an example of how this aesthetic was applied by other architects. Its restoration has preserved it for subsequent generations to enjoy.

How to get there

Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 491 (corner of the Carrer de Viladomat)

Metro L1 (Urgell or Rocafort)
Bus 9, 41, 50, H12

Hours: 
Monday to Fridays, 10 am to 8 pm
Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm.

Búnquers at the Turó de la Rovira

Búnkers at the Turó de la Rovira

The Turó de la Rovira, situated in one of the mountains of the Carmel neighborhood near the Horta district, overlooks the city of Barcelona. The word la rovira refers to the oaks located along the mountain (Turó ). Although the city has spread across and below the sides of the mountain, the location of this park is high enough to afford a 360º panoramic view of metropolitan Barcelona. At 262 meters above sea level, one can see the urban expanse of Barcelona, from Montjuïc in the southwest to the coastal areas to the north. The blue waters of the Mediterranean forms a magnificent backdrop for this view of the metropolis. The views are breathtaking and spectacular.

The hilltop houses the remnants of an anti-aircraft installation and military observation complex built during the Spanish Civil War to defend the city from aerial attacks by the Nationalist forces of Franco. There are bunkers, gun turrets, observation areas, barracks, and the remains of other military installations. It was one of the four strategic installation for the defense of Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War. Later in its existence, the site also houses a shantytown known as "Los Cañones" until the 1990s.



The Museu d'Història de la Ciutat has developed this area as a heritage site with an exhibition space dedicated to the history and importance of these installations. The intent is to preserve the structures and honor the efforts to protect the city during that war. The Museu has a downloadable brochure describing this site and its history. Click here to download.

Hours for the site:

• Wednesday, 5pm to 8pm.
• Saturday & Sunday, 10am to 2pm
• July & August: Saturday, 5pm to 8pm.
• Sunday, 10am to 1pm & 5pm to 8pm

  
How to get there:
Location: Carrer de Marià Labèrnia, s/n
Transportation: Bus 119 or V17
No entrance fee.

While the area has easy access points, the climb to the bunkers can be steep and is in some places via narrow stairs. The "Búnquers" do not have full handicap accessibility. The park, however, is very accessible with pleasant walks and even pedestrian bridges.