Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located in the center of Bhaktapur. The Sq uare is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights some of the finest medieval arts of Nepal.About 10 km east of Kathmandu is a town called Bhaktapur, meaning the city of devotees. It covers an area of 5 sq. km and was founded by King Anand Dev (889 A.D) in the shape of a conch shell, which is a sacred symbol. Bhaktapur was once ruled by the Malla's who built magnificent temples, statues, etc.

 

There are many monuments of historical significance here, like:

• The Lion Gate: This gate in the western part of Bhaktapur has two beautiful stone statues of Bhairav and Durga on either sides, built by king Bhupatendra Malla in 17th century A.D.

• Golden Gate: The Golden Gate was erected by King Ranjit Malla as the entrance to the main courtyard of the Fifty-five Windowed Palace.It was built in 7th century A.D.

• The statue of King Bhupatendra Malla: This figure, of a scholar and artist king, is seen atop a huge column.

• 55 window palace: The Palace of Fifty-five Windows was built during the reign of King Yakshya Malla in1427 A.D and was remodelled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the seventeeth century.

• Vatsala Temple: This 17th century stone temple, dedicated to a mother goddess, is full of intricate works on stone.

• Pashupati Temple: According to a folklore, a Bhaktapur kind who was a great devotee of Lord Pashupati, had a dream in which lord Shiva told him to build a temple for him so that he could move into it. He obeyed this command and thus the temple came into existence.

• Nyatapola: This is the most famous pagoda of Nepal, which was built in 1702 A.D by Bhupatendra Mala. This temple was dedicated to Siddhilaxmi, the tantric mother goddess of supreme power. Nyatapola in Newari means a five tiered symbolizing five basic elements - water, earth, fire, wind and sky.