Bhaktapur is one of the ancient cities of the Kathmandu Valley which is regarded as a prosperous cultural site. It used to be more prosperous than Kathmandu or Patan in the Lichhavi period and the Malla period. Since the time when Yaksha Malla moved royal palace (Durbar Square) to the present place in 1453 AD, Bhaktapur was enriched with fine buildings. But it was King Bhupatindra Malla who actually prospered the place with finer temples and palace-like Nyatapola temple and 55 windowed palace. But, since the whole city was captured by Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1768AD, there remained no other artistic buildings. In fact, during the Rana regime, Bhaktapur was a neglected backwater. Still, after the 12-year-old Bhaktapur Development Project, a lot of restoration and reconstruction took place which reformed the artistic value of the city and was able to be developed as one of the major touristic areas of Nepal. The following are some of the monuments to visit around in the Durbar Square of Bhaktapur:
- 55-windowed Palace
This is a palace with 55 windows built by King Bhupatindra Malla back in the 17th Century. Both the interior and exterior are outstanding examples of Newari woodcarving. A lot of restoration projects have occurred due to the recurring earthquakes.
- National Art Gallery
National Art Gallery is a white building which is said to have been built only back in the Rana period. It is nothing like the traditional temples and monuments around the area. Still, there are important arts and artifacts inside this museum.
- Nyatapole Temple
Built by King Bhupatindra Malla in the 17th Century, this temple is located at the back of the Durbar Square. It remains as the tallest temple of Nepal with a deity of Siddhi Laxmi inside. However, nobody other than the Karmacharya priest is allowed to go inside of the temple.
- Bhairav Temple
It is a broad three-tiered pagoda which is closely located to the Nyatapole Temple. It is one of the most important religious sites around the area. It was first built by King Jagajyoti Malla in the early 17th century.
- Vatshala Devi Temple
It is a temple made from stones, sandstones, and lime. Unlike the other pagoda-styled temples, it is built in the shikhara-style which originated from India. Built in 1698 AD, it is dedicated to Goddess Durga, an important Hindu deity.
- Siddhi Laxmi Temple
It is a small temple made out of stones which is dedicated to Goddess Siddhi Laxmi. It has also been built in the Indian shikhar-style with all sorts of guarding animals and people in front.
- Yaksheswar Mahadev Temple (Pashipatinath)
It is a Newari pagoda styled temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and belonging to 1450s. It is a replica of the original Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu. The most interesting and shocking part of this temple is that it has erotic carvings on the roof struts that are associated with deeper religious erotic cults, mainly for tantric students.
- Shilu Mahadev(Phasi Dega)
It is a temple that was originally built in a Shikhara style. However, the earthquake destroyed the upper part of it and while it was renovated it became like that of a Phasi (a pumpkin in Newari). After its destruction in the 2015, artisans are building it in its original form. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Chaturbrahma Mahabihar
It is located to the eastern side of the Durbar Square and is regarded as one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries. It was once occupied by the living goddess, Kumari.
- Chyasilin Mandap
It is a two storeyed octagonal timber building just in front of the 55 windowed palace. It used to be a place where the Kings used to watch the public events. Badly destroyed during the 1934 earthquake, it was renovated during the Bhaktapur Development project back in 1980s.
- Golden Gate
It is a masterpiece of the Newari gilded copperwork dating back from 1753. It is the main gate leading to the major royal temple of Taleju Bhawani which is prohibited to the non-Hindus.
