The Bhaktapur Durbar Square, located in Bhaktapur, Nepal, was once a royal palace complex that housed the Malla kings from the 14th to the 18th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrated for its well-preserved architecture, temples, and courtyards. The square consists of several plazas, including Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square, and Pottery Square. It has many historical monuments, such as the Palace of 55 Windows, Golden Gate, Nyatapola Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, and Dattatraya Temple. Despite suffering damage from earthquakes, particularly in 1934 and 2015, the square attracts tourists and symbolizes Nepal’s rich cultural heritage.
The main attractions in Bhaktapur Durbar Square
We went on a half-day tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square. It’s impossible to visit all the temples within the square, so we chose to see the most prominent one during our short visit. If you, like us, only have one to three days in Kathmandu and can only visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square for a short time, here’s a list of the temples and other architectural sites you should visit.
1. The Palace of 55 Windows
This 15th-century palace is renowned for its intricate woodcarvings and 55 windows along the upper level. This historical palace, constructed in the 18th century by King Jitamitra Malla, is celebrated for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings, especially on its windows. The palace received its name due to 55 exquisitely carved windows, each representing one of the king’s 55 wives.
The Golden Fountain is prominent in Bhaktapur Durbar Square’s Palace of 55 Windows courtyard.
2. The Golden Gate
The Golden Gate is a remarkable example of ancient Nepali architecture renowned for its intricate design and historical significance. It was constructed in 1753 by Malla King Ranjit Malla and stands as the entrance to the central courtyard of the Palace of Fifty-five Windows, linking Kumari Chowk and Taleju Mandir.
This magnificent gate depicts enigmatic monsters, mythical creatures, and important archaeological, historical, and religious symbols. At the pinnacle of the gate, there is a representation of the formidable Hindu Goddess Kali and the mythical bird Garuda, accompanied by celestial nymphs.
3. The Siddhi Lakshmi Temple
The Siddhi Lakshmi Temple is adjacent to the 55-window palace. This temple, also known as Lohan Dega, Siddhi Lakshmi, Siddhi Laxmi, or simply Stone Temple, showcases the distinctive Shikhara architectural style prevalent during the Malla era. One of its most striking features is its five-tiered structure, adorned with stone guardians on each tier.
4. Nyatapola Temple
The Nyatapola Temple is a magnificent five-tiered pagoda in Taumadhi Square, Bhaktapur.. It proudly holds the title of the tallest temple in Nepal, reaching a height of 33.23 meters (108.26 feet). This architectural wonder was built under the commission of King Bhupatindra Malla and was completed in 1702 AD.
The temple’s uniqueness lies in its five tiers, each decorated with stone statues of animals and deities that serve as guardians. From the bottom to the top, these include wrestlers Jayamel and Phattu, elephants, lions, griffins, and goddesses Baghini and Singhini. Each figure is said to be ten times stronger than the one below.
The temple is dedicated to Siddhi Lakshmi, a powerful tantric incarnation of Durga. Only the priests can enter the inner sanctum to worship the fearsome idol. The temple has withstood several devastating earthquakes, including the 1934 Nepal–Bihar earthquake and the 2015 Nepal earthquake, with only minor damage. The temple is known for its intricate woodcarvings, especially on the struts of the third, fourth, and fifth tiers depicting Lokeshwor, Mahalaxmi, and Shiva-Shakti, respectively. Visitors can admire the temple’s beauty from the 33 steps leading up to the entrance but are not allowed inside.
5. Dattatreya Temple
We arrive at Dattatreya Square after walking through narrow alleys filled with souvenir shops and local specialty foods.
Dattatreya Temple stands at the heart of Dattatraya Square, one of Bhaktapur’s oldest and most charming squares. This ancient temple dates back to the 14th century and honors Dattatreya, a combined form of the Hindu deities Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Renowned for its exceptional architecture and distinctive design, the temple is a sight to behold.
The three-story pagoda-style temple is believed to have been constructed using timber from a single tree. It stands elevated on a base made of brick and terracotta, intricately adorned with depictions of romantic scenes.
Dattatreya Square has many minor and major temples, such as the Bhimsen and Salan Ganesh Temples. It is also home to the world-famous peacock window and the woodcarving museum.
6. Pottery Square
My friends and I walk from Bhaktapur Durbar Square to Pottery Square, passing by lovely souvenir shops and pottery training centers.
This vibrant hub in Bhaktapur, Nepal, is renowned for its pottery works, local craftsmanship, and cultural significance. Situated to the south of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pottery Square is teeming with clay wares, local grains, and pottery training centers,
We saw some visitors immersing themselves in the art of pottery making under the guidance of skilled potters.
The above are the top six places we visited during our half-day tour. Bhaktapur Durbar Square features stunning temples, palaces, and monuments, many dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The entire square is considered an open-air museum showcasing the finest examples of Newari architecture. It is a place you should not miss, even if you only plan to stay for a short time in Kathmandu.
Other posts about our Nepal trip and related videos
- If you’re interested in reading about our Nepal trip, you can access all our articles by following this link.
- We have also posted all related YouTube videos for those who prefer watching videos at this link.
VJ Tamang, owner and tour guide of Grande Adventure, expertly organized and made our trip enjoyable. VJ can be contacted at https://www.grandeadventure.