Stone Lions

Bhaktapur


Depending on what theory you subscribe to, this pair of massive, curly haired stone lions are either guarding the Royal Palace or the site of a long lost temple that crumbled to dust in the 1934 earthquake.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bhaktapur attractions

1. Siddhi Lakshmi Temple

0.01 MILES

The attractive 17th-century stone Siddhi Lakshmi Temple stood by the southeastern corner of Bhaktapur palace until it collapsed in the 2015 earthquake…

2. Fasidega Temple

0.02 MILES

The original Fasidega Temple was ruined in the 1934 quake, and its replacement was notable more as a landmark than for any great architectural merit. The…

3. 55 Window Palace

0.02 MILES

East of the Golden Gate is this palace featuring 55 intricately carved wooden windows stretching along its upper level.

4. Chyasilin Mandap

0.02 MILES

'Chyasilin' refers to the eight-cornered roof of this pavilion. It was rebuilt in 1990 using old photos and paintings and components from the original…

5. Golden Gate

0.03 MILES

The magnificent Golden Gate is a visual highlight of Durbar Sq. Set into a bright red gatehouse surrounded by white palace walls, the fabulous golden…

6. Tadhunchen Bahal

0.03 MILES

Walking east from Durbar Sq, you’ll pass the gateway to the restored Tadhunchen Bahal monastery, tucked between souvenir shops. This Buddhist temple is…

7. Taleju Bell

0.03 MILES

In front of what once was the Vatsala Durga Temple is a large bell, which was erected by King Jaya Ranjit Malla in 1737 to mark morning and evening…

8. Vatsala Durga Temple

0.03 MILES

Beside King Bhupatindra Malla's column and directly in front of the Royal Palace, this stone temple was built by King Jagat Prakash Malla in either 1672…

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