A city rich in history, Lahore is the capital of the Punjab province in Pakistan. It is the second-largest city in Pakistan and the 26th largest city in the world. Lahore is one of the wealthiest cities in the country, with a GDP of $84 billion in 2019.
The history of Lahore can be traced back to the 1st-7th centuries A.D. Inferred by historians, the city was founded by Loh, a Hindu god. Sir Robert Montgomery believed that the city rose to prominence between the 2nd and 4th centuries. Ptolemy estimated that the city was founded in the first century. The city was first mentioned in 882 A.D.
However, it's not all about history. There's plenty of modern-day history to be discovered as well, including the Minar-e-Pakistan, Sheesh Mahal, and Mariyam Zamani Mosque.
Sheesh Mahal
Sheesh Mahal is a beautifully ornate palace located within the Shah Burj block in the northern-western corner of the Lahore Fort. It was built under the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1631-32 and was later added to by Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The structure is a perfect example of a Sikh palace. The Sikh Maharaja knew to display the famous Koh-I-Noor diamond from his seat, and many visitors came to witness this incredible sight. Today, the Sheesh Mahal is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
The royal palace was constructed by the British during their rule in India. It features intricate mosaics that depict the daily activities of Mughal princes. You can see pictures of galloping horses, humped camels, elephants, hunting scenes, and horsemen playing polo. There are also scenes of demons and angels, and even a horseman playing polo.
In addition to the Sheesh Mahal, Lahore Fort is another important attraction. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1631, this palace features intricate mirror mosaics, intricate glasswork, and precious stone bases. This palace was the residence of the Mughal royal family during their time. In addition to its opulence, it was also a secret escape route for the royal families.
Mariyam Zamani Mosque
Begum Shahi Mosque, also known as the Maryam Zamani Mosque, is an impressive 17th-century Mosque. It is considered the inspiration for the Wazir Khan Mosque. This beautiful Mosque contains five sleepers, is 130 feet long, and has two gates. At one time, it had a third front door. The imposing Begum Shahi Mosque is a beautiful example of architecture. The prayer chamber is remarkably deep, divided into seven compartments by heavy piers and richly engraved arches.
Maryam Zamani Mosque is the oldest surviving Mughal-era Mosque in the city. Its stunning structure features three marble domes, four minarets, and a square base. The central dome is larger and covered with white marble, which contrasts with the red that dominates the rest of the structure. The Mosque also features a large entrance gate and an array of arches, stucco tracery, and frescoes.
In 1799, when Ranjit Singh took control of Lahore, the Mosque was used for military purposes. The main courtyard served as a stable, while the Hujras were occupied by soldiers. The Mosque's proximity to the royal court also made it a popular site during the Sikh Civil War. The Mosque's turrets were damaged, but a small area was spared for worship.
The Mariyam Zamani Mosque is a unique architectural wonder. Its interior is decorated with lavish Mughal frescoes. Most of these are floral in nature, with some non-Quranic texts on the walls. At present, it is still used for worship and is considered one of the top historical places in Lahore. The Minaret of the emperor is also located nearby. While visiting this Mosque, make sure to visit it.
Badshahi Mosque
One of the most important historical places in Lahore is the Badshahi Mosque, which epitomizes Mughal architecture. Built around 1673, it is the second largest Mosque in the country. Many famous architects have worked in Lahore, and Badshahi Mosque is one of the most important places to visit.
Badshahi Mosque is one of the most important landmarks in the city of Lahore. The Mosque dates back to 1671 and is a symbol of the Mughal Empire. It features the finest combination of architecture and artwork. It opens before the Lahore Fort and can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers. It was also used by the Sikhs as a military base, and during their rule, the courtyard served as a stable for the army.
The Badshahi Mosque was built during the reign of the sixth Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb Alamgir. The Mosque was completed in 1673 under the supervision of Muzaffar Hussain, the governor of Lahore between 1671 and 1675. Built on the opposite side of the Lahore Fort, it has an honorable place among the historic sites in Lahore.
Built by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, the Badshahi Mosque is one of Lahore's most recognizable landmarks. Standing at a staggering 106 feet high, the Mosque was once the world's largest Mosque and could be seen from more than ten miles away. It contains relics of the Prophet Muhammad, as well as the tomb of the poet and philosopher Dr. Muhammad Iqbal.
Minar-e-Pakistan
A verifiable tower, Minar-e-Pakistan is a landmark in Lahore. It is located at the junction of Multan Road and Circular Road. The tower features a marble mountain and artificial lake. It is the most visited site in Lahore and is often photographed at night. The Minar is the largest and most famous tower in Pakistan. The minaret is one of the top 10 historical places in Lahore.
This 62-meter-high monument is made of white marble and has four platforms. The top of the minaret is 8 meters high and carved with the 99 names of Allah in Urdu, English, and Bengali. It was constructed in the late nineteenth century by a Russian-born Pakistani architect named Nasiruddin Murat-Khan. Visitors can climb up the minaret to get a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding areas. However, its marble structure is deteriorating due to air pollution, which is destroying its beauty. It is worth visiting in order to appreciate its significance.
The museum contains important relics of the Indus Valley civilization. It also houses a museum of Mughal paintings and sculptures, as well as a collection of ancient jewelry. The museum is also home to a large auditorium and conference hall. There is also an interesting museum dedicated to the art of Pakistan. It is worth a visit if you want to appreciate the cultural diversity of the country. Cheap flights to Lahore will help you get there without any trouble.
Another famous place is Hiran Minar, which is a 100-foot tower and is located 43 kilometers northwest of Lahore. The tower is surrounded by a pavilion that is now the main entrance. It was built by the emperor Jahangir in 1606. Hiran Minar is also known as the royal hunting ground. In Lahore, it is one of the top 10 historical places in the city.
Wazir Khan Mosque
If you're looking for a beautiful spot in Lahore, a visit to Wazir Khan Mosque should be on your list. The Mosque's domes and intricate tile work are the perfect settings for a perfect photo opportunity. The Mosque is free to visit, but it can be touristy if you're not careful. There are a few rooftop restaurants in the area that offer excellent views of the city and the Mosque.
This beautiful Mosque is situated 260 meters west of the Delhi Gate, which is one of the six remaining historic gates in the Walled City of Lahore. Wazir Khan, the physician to Shah Jahan, commissioned the Mosque in 1744 and eventually became subadar of Punjab. Wazir Khan built the Mosque to house the tomb of the Sufi saint Miran Badshah. Sufism is a branch of Islam that focuses on the inward search for God. Both Sunni and Shi'a adherents incorporate aspects of Sufism into their religion.
Wazir Khan Mosque is one of the best examples of mosaic tile work from the Mughal period. The walls are covered with Persian and Arabic poetry, while floral designs and geometric designs are woven into the design. The Mosque is a grandiose landmark that's not to be missed. And don't forget to explore the museum's rich collection of art.
The Mosque is currently undergoing a restoration project, lowering the square to its historic level. The Mosque's eastern facade is being restored and the surrounding area is also protected. In addition to the Mosque, it also features the historic Calligraphers' Bazaar and the Dina Nath Well. The project began in the last quarter of 2015, and it is funded by the US Embassy.
Ali Mardan Khan's Mausoleum
Though this site is surrounded by industrial rail yards and railway facilities, the mausoleum still serves as a humbling reminder of Ali Mardan Khan's illustrious life. The tomb was intended to be the tomb of his mother. The former governor of Lahore, Kabul, Kashmir, and Punjab reposed in this tomb, surrounded by beautiful tiles and mosaics. Today, the tomb is a ruin, but many visitors still make a pilgrimage here to pay their respects.
The tomb of a famous Sufi saint in the subcontinent dates back to the 18th century. Its architecture displays influences of both the Mughal and the Lodi empires. It was constructed for Nau Nihal Singh, the grandson of Maharajah Ranjit Singh. The mausoleum has two sections - the eastern part houses a small museum and the western part is a girls' school.
The tomb is open on weekdays between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm, but you have to call the Department of Archaeology beforehand to make an appointment to visit. A guard will open the tomb for visitors once you notify them. As the mausoleum is located on the railway property, visitors should be aware that they will need to wait for the railroad officials to remove an iron fence.
If you're looking for a historical place to visit in Lahore, then the mausoleum of Ali Mardan Khan is an excellent choice. Ali Mardan was a famous engineer, whose skills and talents made him indispensable to the Mughal empire. In 1638, he was appointed as the Governor of Kashmir, Lahore, and Kabul, and the viceroy of Punjab. His commanding skills earned him appointments as the governor of the region.
Lahore Fort
The Lahore Fort, also known as the Naulakha Pavilion, was built during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The fort is notable for its impressive ventilation systems, which made it an excellent escape route for the royal family. The fort's tunnels also provided a way to escape the fortress and enter nearby rivers, including the river, Ravi.
Whether you're interested in the city's past or the modern present, the Lahore Fort is an impressive landmark in the heart of the city. The fort is more than 20 acres of medieval beauty, housing 21 monuments of the Mughal era. The construction of the fort started in the 11th century under Mahmud of Ghazni and was completed during the 17th century. Inside, you'll find beautiful chambers and gardens that are worth visiting.
The Mughal era gave the city its heyday. Akbar the Great, the king of Mughal India, made Lahore his capital. The Fort also contains the tomb of Iqbal, the Poet of the East. Iqbal was one of Pakistan's founding fathers and the genius behind its creation. There is even a mausoleum dedicated to him in the city.
Gulabi Bagh Gateway
The Gulabi Bagh Gateway is a beautiful double-story building that once served as the entrance to the rose garden. This building was constructed by Persian noble Mirza Sultan Baig and his wife, the princess Sultan Begam. It is now a ruin, but you can still view parts of its exterior. This place is worth visiting if you're a history buff.
This Mosque was originally a military depot under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Later, it became the home of Henry Cope, editor of the "Lahore Chronicle." The building eventually became the office of the traffic manager of the Punjab Northern State Railway. In 1903, Lord Curzon returned the Mosque to the Muslims, dismayed at the misuse of such a historic structure.
Besides the tombs themselves, the tomb of Dai Anga's Tomb is another must-see place in Lahore. It is an amazing example of medieval architecture. It is a large rectangular building that features a beautiful dome. You can see the mosaic work on the ceiling and walls. A museum is also available for your convenience. However, make sure to reserve a parking space beforehand, as the monument is popular and not very easy to find.
Mughal Emperor Jahangir's Tomb
One of the most important landmarks in Pakistan, the Fort of Lahore was reconstructed in the 17th century. Though Lahore had been inhabited for millennia before, it has never lost its importance. The fort, which was a royal residence during the Mughal Empire's reign, contains many fascinating attractions. The most impressive highlight of the Fort is the epic Picture Wall, which features colorful mosaics, tiles, and frescoes.
The Tomb of Jahangir is the crown jewel of historic Lahore. The tomb is the most impressive Mughal structure, second only to the Taj Mahal in Agra. The façade of the tomb is adorned with blue and green Kashi Kari tile work. Its interior is lavishly decorated with beautiful frescoes and Mughal Buon frescoes.
The Mughal Emperor Jahangir's mausoleum can be found in a suburb of Lahore, known as Shahdara. This garden was used by Jahangir and his wife Nur Jehan to get around. According to legend, Jahangir was buried in these gardens when he died in 1627, but his successor, Shah Jahan, wanted a mausoleum befitting the emperor.
Mughal Emperor Jahangir's mausoleum is one of the most important places in Lahore. The octagonal chamber of the tomb is surrounded by an ornate marble crypt. A white marble cenotaph, inlaid with pietra dura in vegetal patterns, sits inside. The interior of the tomb is adorned with eight fountains, which were raised into channels on the walls using water wheels.
The Mughal Empire's architecture was a blend of Persian and Indian styles. The great Mosque of Jahangir in Lahore is a good example of the Persian style of architecture. It has a magnificent Victory Gate and is one of the best Mosques from the Mughal era. In the late 16th century, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula was completed. This white marble tomb is decorated with a pietra dura mosaic, a decorative technique that uses highly polished colored stones.
Nau Nihal Singh's Haveli
Located in the red zone, Nau Nihal Singh's Haveli was once the residence of the famous Sikh ruler Raja Ranjeet. Built 230 years ago, it was home to the commanding general of the Sikh army. In the past, the haveli served as a storage facility for ammunition. Today, however, it serves as one of the top historical places in Lahore.
The haveli is surrounded by beautiful wooden ceilings and walls, decorated with geometric patterns. It also features intricately carved wooden ceilings, looking glass mirrors, and wooden railings. A visit to the haveli is a must for any history buff! If you've ever wondered what a haveli looked like, this place will leave a lasting impression.
Nau Nihal Singh's Havili is a beautiful place to see in Lahore. Built by the Maharajah Ranjit Singh, Nau Nihal Singh was the grandson of the famous Sikh ruler. The haveli was originally meant to serve as Nau Nihal Singh's residence but was converted to a girls' school during the British colonial period. The building is now government property.
The Nau Nehal Singh's Haveli is the most outstanding Sikh architectural place in the city. It is believed to be the only Sikh-era haveli in the city that retains its original structure. The haveli is rectangular, with a west-facing entrance. It is surrounded by a garden and two distinct facade sections.
If you want to visit one of the most famous haveli complexes in the city, you should head to the haveli of Prince Nau Nehal Singh. Located inside the Bhati Gate, the haveli was converted into a girls' school in 1849. Sadly, no money was spent on maintaining it. Unfortunately, there are no plans to restore the haveli anytime soon.
The Nau Nihal Singh's Havelis also serves as a museum. There are several exhibition halls and galleries in the haveli, where you can view the various artifacts on display. Visiting these places is one of the best ways to learn more about the city's history.
