The Durbar square is same to Nepal as Tianmen Square is to Beijing. The place has been listed in the UNESCO world heritage site. Durbar Square is the focal point of religious and social activities in Kathmandu Old City. This place comprises palaces, temples, shrines, statues and courtyards built between the 12th and 18th centuries by the ancient kings of Nepal. The Durbar square is the subtle amalgamation of old and new.
Two ferocious looking stone lions guard the gates of Old Royal Palace that was abandoned by the monarchs in the late 18th century. The campus contains a number of courtyards and several museums. There is a plaque that is set in the palace walls which is said to be 400 years old. The inscriptions written on the plaque is in 15 different languages. On the other side of the square is the Kastha Mandap temple that is said to have bore its name to Kathmandu.
Kathmandu Durbar square, also known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. The palace became a public attraction when the monarchs shifted to the newly build Narayanhity Palace. The Hanuman Dhoka Durbar lies in the heart of the city. It consists of huge Royal Palace with different temples dating from the 15th to the 18th century.
Some other important monuments worth visiting in the vicinity are as follows:
1. The Taleju temple is the tallest of all structures built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D.
2. The Jagannath temple, built in the 16th century, is known for the fascinating erotic figures carved in the wooden struts.
3. The Kala Bhairav, one of the largest 17th century stone statues in Kathmandu, represents the terrifying aspect of Shiva.
4. The 17th century Kumari temple that is an example of the highly developed Nepali craftsmanship.
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