Durbar Square

Durbar Square is the social, cultural, historical and religious center of Kathmandu, declared a World Heritage Monument in 1979 by UNESCO, combining a complex of palaces, courtyards (chouks) and temples that were built between the XII and XVIII centuries by the kings of the Malla dynasty. The most impressive architectural structures are located in this part of the city. After the earthquake of 1934, many buildings were destroyed and then restored, but unfortunately, not all of them have retained their original appearance.

Currently, Durbar Square consists of three adjacent squares. Its southern part is Basantapur Square with its many souvenir merchants. The west and northeast, connecting with the entrance to Hanuman Dhoka Palace and several temples, is Durbar Square, and the north is Makhan Tol, smoothly passing into the street of the same name, which was in the past the main road of the city. The best place to start exploring Durbar Square is the Kasthamandap Temple, one of the oldest buildings in the Kathmandu Valley.