Bhaktapur Durbar Square
This is one of the seven UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites of the Kathmandu Valley. This depicts the rich culture, art and architectural of the city. The golden gate is the gateway to the main courtyard of the 55-window Palace, which is the most fascinating in the city. The gate is considered as one of the world's most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind. This is often known as not only the treasure of Bhaktapur, but of the entire country as well.. The richly carved windows and doors really attract visitors. Being the seat of royalty before 1769 AD, the building now houses the National Art Gallery.
The Big Bell is another amazing artwork that bewitches every visitor in the Durbar Square. The bell is said to have been erected by Ranajit Malla (1722-1769), who was the last Malla King of Bhaktapur. The bell would be used at that time for paying homage to Goddess Taleju, the lineage deity of the Malla rulers. Even today, the bell is rung twice a day as a mark of tribute to the goddess. There is another small Barking Bell next to it. To one’s great surprise, all dogs around it start whining the moment it is rung by its caretaker.
The Yaksheswor Mahadev Temple equally adds to the Square’s unparalleled beauty. Named after its builder king, Yaksha Malla (1428-82), the two-storied pagoda temple was built after Kathmandu’s world-famous Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. The temple is famous for its wooden struts with erotic carvings.
There are many other religious sites in the area; some of them include: Chyasin Mandap, Siddhi Laxmi Temple, Shiva Temple, Vatsala Temple, Bhandarkhal Complex, Chatu Brahma Mahavihar, Indrayani Temple, Balakhu Ganesh Temple, Tripura-Sundari Temple and the Char Dham.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is an assortment of pagoda and shikhara-style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The square is part of a charming valley as it highlights the idols of ancient kings perched on top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in very place – struts, lintels, tympanums, gateways and windows – all seem to form a well orchestrated symphony.

Places to Visit

The Lion Gate

The massive gate that dates back to 1696 AD is guarded by two huge statues of lions at the either sides. The dreadful stone image of Lord Shiva and the fearful image of Ugrachandi attract the tourists from far off.

The Golden Gate (Sun Dhoka)

The Golden gate is said to be the most beautiful and richly molded specimen of its kind in the entire world. The door is a embellished with monsters and mythical creatures of marvelous intricacy. The Golden Gate was erected by King Ranjit Malla and is the entrance to the main courtyard of the Palace of fifty-five windows.

The Palace of Fifty Five Windows

Built by Jitamitra Malla, the former king, the 55-Window Palace was used as the official royal family residence until 1769. The palace was originally finished in 1427. During the seventeenth century, the palace was revamped. Today, the palace has been converted into a National Gallery and it houses several pieces of art. The 55-Window Palace gets its name from its balcony designed with a total of 55 windows. This is considered by many as a woodcarving masterpiece because of its uniqueness and elegance.