The 2,200-year-old Egyptian Temple of Debod, which was once rescued from the rising waters of the Aswan High Dam, is now once again on the brink of destruction, this time thousands of miles from Egypt, in the heart of the Spanish capital.
Exposed year-round to wind, rain, snow and extreme temperatures, the ancient monument has been left unprotected despite warnings from conservation experts.Â
Instead, it has become one of Madrid’s most popular tourist attractions, famous for its sunset views and Instagram selfies.
Now, Egyptologist and historian Tito Vivas has launched a campaign to draw attention to the temple’s deteriorating condition.
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Speaking to The Times, he said: “More than half a century ago, Egypt gifted Spain the Temple of Debod as a sign of gratitude for its help in rescuing the Nubian monuments. But that gift came with conditions: protect it and cover it. The United States, Italy and the Netherlands did that. Spain did not.”
He added: “The stone is crumbling, the temple is degrading, and we still fail to honour the commitment we signed. Today, we are still letting it die.”
In an effort to prevent further damage, a consortium of Madrid business leaders led by Vivas, has launched a privately funded international design competition seeking proposals to protect the monument.
The group, Madrid Foro Empresarial (MFE), has invited universities and architecture schools across Europe, the United States and Egypt to submit ideas by mid-September.
The three winning proposals will be presented to Madrid City Council for possible development.
The Temple of Debod is one of four Nubian temples donated by Egypt to countries that helped save ancient monuments threatened by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
It was dismantled, transported to Spain and rebuilt on the site of Madrid’s former Montaña Barracks.
The competition offers a total of €15,000 in prize money for the best proposals aimed at safeguarding the temple for future generations.
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