 Situated
at an altitude of 1,401m, Bhaktapur covers an area of four
square miles. Bhaktapur or the city of Devotees still retains
a medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated
to myriad wonders of cultural and artistic achievements. The
past glory of the Malla rulers continues to be reflected at
the Durbar Square. Pottery and weaving are its traditional
industries. Bhaktapur is famous for woodcarving and the Bhadgaolen
topi or cap. The city lies about 14 km east of Kathmandu and
can be reached by public transport, private vehicles and bycycle.
Bhaktapur durbar Squares:
The Golden Gate is the entrance to the main courtyard
of the Palace of 55 Windows, built by King
Ranjit Malla. The gate is one of the most beautiful and richly
carved specimens of its kind in the entire world. This gate
is embellished with deities and monsters with marvelous intricacy.
The palace of 55 Window was built in 1700
AD. Among the brick walls in their gracious setting and sculptural
design, is a balcony of 55 windws. This balcony is a masterpiece
of wood carving. The stone temple of Batsala Devi
which is also located in the Durbar Square is full of intricate
carvings. This temple also sets a beautiful example of Shikhara
style architecture in Nepal. There is a bronze bell on the
terrace of the temple which is also known as the Bell of Barking
Dogs. This colossal bell, placed in 1737 AD, used to ring
to signal curfew those days.
The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and
other architectural showpieces like the Lion Gate, the statue
of King Bhupatindra Malla, the Picture Galley, the Batsal
Temple, etc. A magnificent statue of King Bhupatindra Malla
in the act of worship is placed on the column facing the palace.
It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage
Monument list in 1979.
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Nyatapola
Temple:
