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Lahore Fort, also known as Shahi Qila is one of the most iconic and well-known landmarks in Lahore. The fort has a long and rich history, dating back to the 11th century when it was first built by the Ghaznavids. Over the centuries, the fort has been added to and expanded by different rulers, each of whom have left their own mark on the structure.

Today, it stands as a testament to the city’s vibrant past and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lahore. In this blog post, we will explore the history of Lahore Fort and some of its most famous features. We will also provide a guide on how to get there and what to expect when you visit.

Lahore Fort: An Intro

Lahore Fort, also known as Shahi Qila, is a fort located in the city of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. The fort is located on the western bank of the River Ravi and covers an area of 20 hectares. The fort was initially built by the Ghaznavid dynasty in the 11th century, but was later expanded and modified by subsequent rulers. The Lahore Fort is notable for its architecture and for its association with the history of Pakistan.

The Lahore Fort consists of a number of buildings, including the Alamgiri Gate, which was built by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb; the Shish Mahal, or Palace of Mirrors; and the Badshahi Mosque, which was built by Emperor Aurangzeb’s brother Dara Shikoh. The fort also contains a number of gardens, such as the Akbari Sarai garden.

The Lahore Fort has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Pakistan.

A Brief History of Lahore Fort

The fort was further built in the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. It was significantly expanded by the Mughal dynasty during their rule of the Punjab region and served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors for a period of time. Following the decline of the Mughals, the fort fell into disrepair and was largely abandoned. However, it has recently undergone a major renovation project and is now open to visitors as a tourist attraction.

Photo Credit: culturalindia.net

Lahore Fort has a long and rich history, dating back over a thousand years. It has been an important site for both Muslim and Hindu rulers throughout its history. The fort was significantly expanded by the Mughals during their reign over Punjab from 1556 to 1707.

The Mughals used Lahore Fort as their main residence during this time, and it became one of the most magnificent palaces in all of Asia. After the death of Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707, however, Lahore Fort began to decline in importance. It was eventually abandoned altogether after being sacked by Sikh forces in 1756.

The fort remained in ruins until 1985 when it underwent a major restoration project led by Pakistani archaeologist Ahmad Nabi Khan.

The Architecture of Lahore Fort

The fort is a large complex structure consisting of several buildings, courtyards, and gardens.

The main entrance to the fort is through the Badshahi Mosque, which was built by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1673. The mosque is open to visitors and is one of the largest mosques in Pakistan. Other notable buildings within the complex include the Shish Mahal (palace of mirrors), Naulakha Pavilion, and Khawabgah (the emperor’s bedroom).

The Lahore Fort is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can explore the various buildings and gardens, and learn about the rich history of the Mughal Empire.

The fort is a masterpiece in itself and is a perfect example of Mughal Architecture.

Photo Credit: prideofpakistan.com

What to see in Lahore Fort?

The fort has a number of interesting features. Visitors can also enjoy views of the city from the top of the fort walls. The fort has the following attractions:

Elephant Stairs

Once you enter the Lahore Fort, inside the gate you will see 58 wide steps. These steps are known as the Elephant Steps. Above the stairs are the balconies where girls would greet the emperor as he arrived and toss rose petals on him.

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Moti Masjid

The Moti Masjid is one of the most beautiful and famous features of the fort. The Moti Masjid, or Pearl Mosque, was built by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1671. It is a small but exquisite mosque, with three domes and a courtyard that can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers. The mosque is decorated with delicate marble work and has a stunning view of the Lahore skyline.

Photo Credit: Shahbaz Aslam, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Shish Mehal

Shish Mehal, or Glass Palace, was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1631. It was used as a summer residence for the royal family and their guests.

The palace is made entirely of white marble and is decorated with intricate glasswork. It has a beautiful view of the fort’s gardens. Shish mahal (palace of mirrors) was built by Asif khan the governor of Lahore for emperor Shah Jahan in 1631-32 AD. It is the most decorated place in the fort, embellished with mirror work, guild work, and fretwork in marble, etc.

The palace consists of a spacious lofty hall with several rooms behind and on either side and a vast courtyard in front. Naulakha pavilion, famous for its minute and delicate pietra dura work lies in the northwest corner of the courtyard. A variety of variegated marbles i.e. Sang-e-Badal, Sang-e-Abri, Sang-e-Musa, and Sang-e-Khattu are used in the flooring.

Photo Credit: Faizanahmad, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Naulakha Pavilion

The Naulakha Pavilion is one of the most iconic and recognizable structures in Lahore Fort. The Pavilion was built in 1633 by Emperor Shah Jahan. The pavilion gets its name from the Urdu word for “nine lakhs” (nau lakh), referring to the massive cost of its construction. The pavilion is set on a raised platform and topped with a gold-plated dome, making it an impressive sight both inside and out.

Inside the pavilion, visitors can see a beautiful marble floor inlaid with semiprecious stones. The walls are decorated with intricate floral carvings, while the ceiling features a stunning painting of paradise. The Naulakha Pavilion is one of the best examples of Mughal architecture in Lahore For.

Naulakha Pavilion is also worth a visit, especially if you’re interested in history – it was here that Emperor Shah Jahan first met his future wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Photo Credit Jawad.hassan89, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Alamgiri gate

Alamgiri gate is the main entrance to Lahore Fort and is located on the western side of the complex. The fort was built by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1673, and the gate is named after him. It is a large archway with two smaller arches on either side, decorated with intricate carvings and Islamic calligraphy. The Alamgiri gate was the main ceremonial entrance to the fort during the Mughal period, and it remains an important part of Lahore’s heritage today.

Photo Credit: Rohaan Bhatti, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

The Gardens of Lahore Fort

If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of Lahore, then a visit to the gardens of Lahore Fort is a must. The fort itself is a marvel of Mughal architecture, but it’s the gardens that really make it special.

There are three main gardens within the fort complex – Shish Mahal, Naulakha Pavilion, and Jahangir’s Quadrangle.

Jahangir’s Quadrangle is perhaps the most peaceful of the three gardens, and it’s easy to see why – it’s full of lush greenery, fountains, and flowers. It’s the perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of Lahore Fort.

The Museums of Lahore Fort

The fort has been home to a number of museums over the years, and these museums offer a unique insight into the history and culture of Lahore and Pakistan.

The first museum in Lahore Fort was established in 1849 and was known as the Lahore Museum. This museum housed a number of artifacts from the Mughal period, as well as other periods of Pakistani history. The museum was closed in 1947 but reopened in 2004 after undergoing extensive renovation.

The second museum in Lahore Fort is the Nur Jahan Museum, which is dedicated to the life and times of the Mughal Empress Nur Jahan. This museum was opened in 1983 and features a number of artifacts belonging to Nur Jahan, as well as her husband Emperor Jahangir.

The third museum in Lahore Fort is the Shahi Qila Museum, which is dedicated to the history of the Mughal Empire. This museum was opened in 1992 and features a number of artifacts from the Mughal period.

The fourth museum in Lahore Fort is the Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula Museum, which is dedicated to the life and times of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula. This museum was opened in 1997 and features a number of artifacts belonging to Siraj-ud-Daula.

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How to Get to Lahore Fort

Lahore Fort is located in the city of Lahore and is a major part of the country’s heritage. Today, it is a popular spot for tourists to visit, and there are a number of ways to get there.

The easiest way to get to Lahore Fort is by taking a taxi or rickshaw from anywhere in the city. The fare should be around 150-200 rupees depending on your bargaining skills. You can also take a bus from any major bus stop in Lahore, such as Gulberg or Shadman. The fare for buses is usually around 30-40 rupees.

If you are coming from outside of Lahore, you can take a train or plane to the city. Once you are in Lahore, you can take a taxi or bus to Lahore Fort.

Conclusion

Lahore Fort is an impressive and historic fort in Pakistan that is definitely worth a visit. With its many features and beautiful architecture, the Lahore Fort is a great place to learn about Pakistani history and culture. If you are planning a trip to Pakistan, make sure to add the Lahore Fort to your itinerary!

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