The massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Nepal has shattered several iconic buildings, some of which are renowned heritage sites.
Be it the Dharahara Tower in Kathmandu or the Durbar Square, centuries of history were turned into rubble after the powerful earthquake on Saturday (April 25).
These photographs reveal the terrible toll the earthquake has had on some of Nepal’s most historic landmarks.
Durbar square
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, the Durbar square was surrounded with exceptional architecture that showcases the skills of the Newar artists. This iconic site was known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, a name derived from a statue of Lord Hanuman at the entrance of the palace. (Read more)
The combo photo shows Nepalese devotees participating in a procession of chariots of god and goddess Ganesh, Kumari and Bhairav during the last day of Indrajatra festival at Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Nepal, Sept. 22, 2013 (above) and the ruins on the Durbar Square after an earthquake in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, on April 25, 2015. (Image source: IANS)
Dharahara Tower
Also called as Bhimsen Tower, this UNESCO recognised iconic site was a nine-storey 61.88-metre-tall (203.0 ft)tower, which was built in 1832 by Mukhtiyar (equivalent to Prime Minister) Bhimsen Thapa. The tower had a spiral staircase containing 213 steps. The eighth floor held a circular balcony for observers that provided a panoramic view of the Kathmandu valley. The tower had a 5.2 metres (17 ft) bronze mast on the roof. The tower was open to visitors from 2005 to its collapse in 2015. (Read more)
The combo photo shows a stunning visual of the Dharahara tower at night (above) and the ruins of this iconic building after an earthquake in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, on April 25, 2015. (Image courtesy: wikitravel.com and mashable.com)
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the plaza in front of the royal palace of the old Bhaktapur Kingdom, 1400m above sea level. It is one of three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. (Read more)
Image courtesy: bonvehicles.com.np and IANS
Famous statue of the Hindu deity Garud at Patan Durbar Square
Image courtesy: harekrsna.com and facebook.com
Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. It is also known as the Monkey Temple as there are holy monkeys living in the north-west parts of the temple. (Read more)
Image courtesy: fineartamerica.com and indianexpress.comImage source: IANS
