Bhaktapur Darbar Square, Nepal

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Surrounded by centuries-old architecture that displays the skills of the local artists and builders, Bhaktapur Durbar Square 

represents one of three similar Nepalese plazas, all of which carry World Heritage Site designation. As you walk around, pay special attention to a royal palace featuring a balcony with 55 windows, regarded as one of the world's finest examples of expert woodcarving. Other highlights include richly decorated gates and several temples, including one featuring erotic depictions of elephants. The square also boasts many cafes, restaurants, and shops selling jewelry, masks, and decorations. Add Bhaktapur Durbar Square - 

The square of Bhaktapur is of unparalleled beauty. Not even the 2015 earthquake has succeeded in destroying its fascination.

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Bhaktapur Square

Nyatapola in Newari language means five stories - the symbolic of five basic elements. This is the biggest and highest pagoda of Nepal ever built with such architectural perfection and artistic beauty. The temple's foundation is said to be made wider than its base. The temple is open for the public once a year - during Dashain. The goddess who owes the temple is Goddess Shiddhilaxmi. and as bodyguards, those statues are built, which we can see in five layers of the base of temple. It is said that it took three generations to complete that temple. The temple is famously known as pancha tale mandira.

Under restoration

terrible god Ugrabhairab on my right

17th century terrible Goddess Ugrachandi  and terrible god Ugrabhairab image

Vatsala Temple

Vatsala Temple was a stone temple dedicated to goddess Vatsala Devi that included many carvings. It was most famous for its silver bell, known to local residents as "the bell of barking dogs" as when it was rung, dogs in the vicinity barked and howled. The colossal bell was hung by King Ranjit Malla in 1737 AD and was used to sound the daily curfew. It was rung every morning when goddess Taleju was worshiped. Despite the Temple being completely demolished by the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, the bell remains intact.

Vatsala Temple in the middle

Unfortunately the foreigners were being turned away and the gaurds were rude to them.

I was allowed in but not these fair skinned, the only difference between them and me.

The World Famous Golden Gate of Bhaktapur.

(The Golden Gate)" is said to be the most beautiful and richly molded specimen of its kind in the entire world. The door is surmounted by a figure of the Hindu goddess Kali and Garuda (mythical griffin) and attended by two heavenly nymphs. It is embellished with monsters and other Hindu mythical creatures of marvelous intricacy. Percy Brown, an eminent English art critic and historian, described the Golden Gate as "the most lovely piece of art in the whole Kingdom; it is placed like a jewel, flashing innumerable facets in the handsome setting of its surroundings." The gate was erected by King Ranjit Malla and is the entrance to the main courtyard of the palace of fifty-five windows.

The Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship can be seen on a column facing the palace. Of the square's many statues, this is considered to be the most magnificent.