Bhaktapur Durbar Square
The Golden Gate is the centre of attraction at Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The main entrance of the former palace building here depicts master art at its best. The magnificent workmanship on the tympanum with its images of various deities points to the skill of ancient masters. The Fifty-five Window Palace here used to be the residence of Bhaktapur’s old kings. The many courtyards inside contain shrines dedicated to various deities, which are all richly carved. The Durbar Square has a large open brick-paved area in the centre surrounded by temples arranged in a harmonious layout. UNESCO has declared Bhaktapur Durbar Square a World Heritage Site.
Taumadhi Square
A narrow alley leads from the Durbar Square to Taumadhi Square that contains the pride of Bhaktapur and the symbol of the artistic and architectural supremacy of the Kathmandu Valley – the Nyatapol temple. Built atop a massive terraced plinth, the splendid five-roofed pagoda is the tallest in Nepal. Its stone, woodcarvings, and graceful design display sacred architecture at its height. The stairs leading up to the temple is flanked by stone figures of deities and mythical animals.
Dattatreya Square
The Dattatreya Square of Bhaktapur used to be the centre of town in ancient times. The streets are lined with traditional houses ornamented with elaborately carved wooden windows. The Dattatreya temple, which draws both Hindu and Buddhist worshippers, dates back to the 15th century. The Bhimsen temple here was erected in the early 1600s. The famed Peacock Window of Bhaktapur is set into a wall of the Pujari Math where Hindu priests reside.
