Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square stands as perhaps the finest example of Newari architecture anywhere in the world. This collection of historic structures from the 16th and 18th centuries showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of the Malla period through its temples, palaces, courtyards, and intricate carvings.

Evidence suggests Patan was founded during the 3rd century BC by the Kirat dynasty and later expanded in the 6th century. The royal square bears witness to the political authority and civic life of the Malla rulers who controlled the city from the 14th to 18th century.

Most current architecture dates from the 1600s, constructed during the reign of King Siddhi Narsingh Malla and his son Srinivasa Sukriti. The three main courtyards—Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Keshav Narayan Chowk—represent the heart of the complex, with Mul Chowk being the largest and most famous.

The Krishna Mandir, commissioned by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla in 1637, is adorned with 21 golden pinnacles and represents the first specimen of Shikhara-style architecture in Nepal. Built entirely of stone, it differs dramatically from the typical wood and brick pagoda style. The Taleju Bhawani Temple (1640) served as the personal deity of the Malla Dynasty, while the Bhimsen Temple (1680) features distinctive interconnected golden windows.

In 1768 AD, King Prithivi Narayan Shah of Gorkha took control of Patan without violence, preserving its architectural heritage. The 2015 earthquakes considerably slowed restoration—two major temples and two satahs collapsed completely, and other structures suffered severe damage.

However, with support from local communities, private institutions, government agencies, and international organizations (UNESCO supervising with traditional materials and methods), more than 90% of Patan Durbar's built heritage has been restored to the highest conservation standards as of July 2022.