- Address: Ganga Path, Kathamndu 44600, Nepal
- Phone: +977 984-9602800
- Website: dbrevisited.weebly.com
- Working time: 24 hours
- The cost of visiting: $ 9.68 (1000 NPR) for the whole day
In Nepal , a large number of natural and architectural objects are worthy of attention of tourists. But still one of the most interesting Nepalese monuments is the Durbar square in Kathmandu , on the territory of which ancient sites are located. It is the largest of the three royal squares. The other two are located in Patan and Bhaktapur .
History of Durbar Square
The date of construction of this architectural sight is considered XVII-XVIII century, although many of its original objects were erected much earlier. Decoration and decoration of monuments were handled by the Newark artisans and artists.
In 1934, a strong earthquake occurred in Nepal, which caused serious damage to Durbar Square in Kathmandu. Not all the buildings were restored, some during the restoration lost their original appearance. In 1979, the palace grounds in Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur were listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, and in 2015 the city was again the victim of an earthquake.
The most significant structures on Durbar Square
In this part of the Nepalese capital, a large number of palaces and temples are located, which for a long time were symbols of the religious and cultural life of local residents. From time immemorial, on the Durbar Square in Kathmandu, the coronation of local monarchs was carried out. Despite the fact that now the royal residence has been moved to the northern region of the capital under the name of Narayanhiti, the square still represents power and monarchy.
Currently, there are 50 monuments on this palace square in Kathmandu, differing in form, size, architectural style and religion. The most significant of those that survived after the tragedy are:
- the palace of Hanuman-Dhok , dating from the XV-XVIII centuries;
- pagoda Krishna-Balaram Mandir , which has eight corners;
- the Shiva-Parvati temple ;
- The Taleju temple , built in the middle of the 16th century;
- The sculpture of Kal Bhairava , considered the God of Destruction;
- the palace of Nautall , erected by King Prithvi Narayan Shah;
- The Nasal Chowk courtyard , once used as the place of the coronation;
- Big Drums and Big Bell ;
- the Jagannath temple and others.
The center of the palace square of Kathmandu is a temple complex dedicated to an ape-like deity named Hanuman. The main entrance to the temple is decorated with golden gates, which are guarded by the statue of Hanuman himself. Behind the gates of the temple complex you can walk along the numerous courtyards, get acquainted with ancient pagodas and tombs, statues and columns. In the corners of the palace there are towers, of which the highest is the Tower of Bazantapur. Having risen on it, you can admire the beautiful views of Durbar Square and the old part of Kathmandu.
How to get to Durbar?
This famous palace square is located in the north-west of the Nepalese capital. From the center of Kathmandu to Durbar Square, you can walk through the streets of Swayambhu Marg, Gangalal Marg and Durbar Marg. In good weather, a distance of 3.5 km can be overcome in about 15 minutes.