Global Treasures: Bhaktapur

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1179

UPC: 879061007781

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Around 15 kilometers east of Kathmandu is Bhaktapur, the smallest yet most beautiful of the three Newar cities.

The famous and historic palace district features several artistically-decorated shrines and temples and each day, Durbar Square is full of local people as well as visitors from all over the world.

It is believed that the religious heart of the Durbar area was founded in the 15th century. Entry to the sacred temple is restricted to those of the Hindu faith. Over the centuries, further buildings were added around the legendary main temple of the royal palace that surrounds Durbar Square. With the construction of the first citadel, in 1453, King Yaksha Malla laid the foundations of a new and important dynasty in Nepal.

But the magic of Bhaktapur does not only lie within its architecture but also, in its unique mediaeval atmosphere, an atmosphere frozen by time itself.