Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur, Nepal

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Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a historic royal palace complex in Bhaktapur, Nepal, dating back to the 12th century and was the seat of the Malla kings who ruled the Kathmandu Valley. It is renowned for its exquisite medieval Newari architecture, intricate wood carvings, temples, statues, and courtyards that symbolize Nepal’s rich cultural heritage.

Once featuring 99 courtyards, only about 15 remain today due to damage from earthquakes, especially in 1833, 1934, and 2015. Key landmarks include the 55 Window Palace with elaborately carved wooden windows, the Golden Gate adorned with Hindu deity figures, and the five-story Nyatapola Temple, the tallest pagoda in Nepal.

The square has been a political, cultural, and religious center for centuries and remains a major attraction for those interested in Nepalese history and artistry.