The ancient city is located on the southern bank of the holy Bagmati River and is approximately five kilometers south-east of the capital. The whole city is full of Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples with fine bronze gateways, marvelous statues, guardian deities and magnificent carvings including stone carving, metal carving and wood carving. Well noted for its gorgeous craftsmen and metal workers, it is often known as the city of superb artists.
Patan Durbar Square (World Heritage Site)
Most of the monuments in this square belong to the medieval Malla period 15th to 17th century. Important things to be seen in this area include the Golden gate and the Golden window of the old palace, the beautiful piece of traditional metal craft, the famed Krishna temple with 21 golden Pinnacles, the Royal bath of Sundari Chowk, a perfect piece of the classic work in stone, The Royal Taleju temple, Vishwa Narayan temple are the finest examples of the unique craftsmanship in wood, the temple of Bhimsen with the magnificent golden balcony overlooking the square outside including many other shrines and sculptures scattered in and around the square.
Krishna Temple
Built in the 16th century by late King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, this temple is made of pure stone. It is a marvelous structure constructed completely out of stone, except for the few pinnacles or the spires adjusted out of metal. The carvings on its friezes depict battle scenes from the ancient Hindu epics of South Asia, the Ramayan and the Maha-Varat in particular. Opposite remains the single stone pillar with a Garud sitting on, paying decent homage to Lord Krishna.
Hiranya Varna Mahabihar
Located inside kwabadehal, this three storey golden pagoda of Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth century by king Bhaskar Verma. Inside the upper storey of the pagoda, are the golden image of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel.
Rudra Varna Mahabihar
This unique Buddhist monastery contains fine and amazing collection of images and statues in metal, stone and wood. It is believed that the Kings in the ancient times were crowned in this monastery. Many of the treasures offered by the devotees can be seen here even today.
Kumbheshwor Temple
This fine tiered temple of Lord Shiva was built during the reign of King Jayasthiti Malla. A fair is held here on the Janai Poornima day in August.
Ashoka Stupas
There are four ancient stupas popularly believed to have been built in 250 B.C. by Emperor Ashoka at the four corners of Patan. The four stupas are situated in Pulchowk, Lagankhel, Ebahi and in Teta (way to Sano Gaon) respectively. These stupas give evidence to the city's ancient religious importance.
Temple of Machhindranath and Minnath
The pagoda of Red Machhendranath built in 1408 A.D. is situated in Tabahal. For six months the deity is taken to its other shrine in Bungmati. The temple of Minnath is situated in Tangal on the way to Tabahal.
Mahaboudha
A little further east from Patan Durbar Square lies this Buddhist temple made of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha engraved. The terra-cotta structure is one of the fourteenth century Nepalese architectural masterpieces.
Bungamati
The twin villages of Bungamati and Khokana date from 16th century and typical ancient Newar Villages. This villages are located south of Kathmandu down a rutty road dotted with chaityas, appropriate for an ancient procession route. Bungamati is famous as the winter home of the Red Machhendra god of Patan who resides every winter in a powerful, Shikhara-style temple. Its spacious courtyard is often used for spreading grain to dry in the sun and where chicken-farming is strictly forbidden.
