42) Patan - the artistic and architectural centre of Kathmandu Valley: Photos 21 to 37

Patan has a unique atmosphere which is due to its compact scale and the remarkable vivacity of its temple architecture, with a Durbar Square more densely packed with Hindu temples than Kathmandu, and a total of 55 major temples and 136 monasteries. Also known as Lalitpur ('beautiful town'), Patan is officially the Kathmandu Valley's second largest city, although it has now been effectively absorbed into Kathmandu. It is said that the city was designed and built after the Buddhist wheel of righteousness. Patan is surrounded by four big stupas - one at each corner of the cardinal points; all but the Northern stupa are now mostly grassed over. These monuments are said to have been built by the Indian Emperor Ashoka when he came to Kathmandu Valley on his pilgrimage tour during the 3rd century B.C. Regardless of its veracity it has been convenient to believe that such a pilgrimage did indeed take place and this has served to promote the city's worthiness as an historic Buddhist centre.

A taxi took us directly to the southern side of Patan's Durbar Square, this way our first impression was already one of ancient monuments noted for their exquisite craftsmanship and architectural beauty.

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