Harihar Bhawan, Rana palace in Lalitpur, Nepal
Harihar Bhawan is a palace in Lalitpur that combines European and Nepali building traditions into a multi-story structure with courtyards and gardens. The complex features rooms and halls arranged around these open spaces, characteristic of grand residential design from that period.
The palace was built in the 1920s by a prominent member of the Rana ruling family as a private residence. Over time, following changes in Nepal's government, the building transitioned into use by different state institutions.
The building blends European and Nepali design traditions in ways that reflect how the Rana elite saw themselves and their place in the world. Walking through it, you notice how the style bridges two different architectural worlds.
The building is located in central Lalitpur and can be reached on foot from nearby main roads. Today it serves as a government building, so visiting access may be limited depending on official activities taking place.
After the 2015 earthquake, red warning marks were placed on the building to indicate structural concerns and alert people to safety risks. These marks remain visible on the structure today, serving as a physical reminder of the disaster that struck the region.
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