Commonly known as the monkey temple, due to the large numbers of monkeys that roam the temple complex, Swayambhunath is one of Kathmandu's oldest and most sacred religious sites. The oldest parts of the structure are said to date from the 5th century AD, but according to legend they were built to replace a temple founded by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, on a site where Buddha visited and taught.
Located on a hill on the outskirts of Kathmandu, the temple affords magnificent views over the city and on a clear day to the mountains beyond. At the heart of the temple complex is the stupa, topped by the painted eyes of Buddha, surrounded by prayer wheels and numerous smaller temples. Although a Tibetan Buddhist site, Swayambhunath is also revered by Hindus and some features of the temple were built by Hindu kings of Nepal.
