T he ancient city of Patan, lying 5 kms. southeast of Kathmandu, is considered as oldest of all three cities of the Kathmandu Valley. The city is full of Hindus temples and Buddhist monuments. It is founded in third century A.D. by King Veera Dev. The most important monument area, of course is Patan Durbar Square. The whole square is a cluster of fine pagoda temples and stone statues; it is at the same time of the business hub of the city. At every step one comes across a piece of art or and image of a deity, testifying to the consummate skills of Patan's anonymous artists .The stone temple of Lord Krishna and the Royal Bath (Tushahity) with it's intricate stone and bronze carvings are two other masterpieces in the same vicinity. The temple of Lord Krishna holds a commanding position in Patan's Palace complex. Though it's style is not wholly native, it is one of the most perfect specimens of Nepalese templecraft. The three-storey stone temple continuous to elicit high praise from lovers of art and beauty. The minute details of this work clearly show the high level that the art of stone carving attained in the sixteenth century. The main places to visit Patan are as follows:
* Patan Durbar Square (World Heritage Site)
* Krishna Mandir
* Patan Mahaboudha
* Patan Museum
* Hiranya Barna Mahabihar
* Kumbleshwor
* Jagatnarayan temple
* Banglamukhi
* Godawari
* Bajra Barahi
* Phulchoki
* Khokana
* The Zoo (Jawalakhel) |
