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Lahore Fort (Shahi Qila)

Akbar's citadel, Shah Jahan's Palace of Mirrors.

Lahore, Pakistan Founded 1566

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The story

The fort was rebuilt in brick by the Mughal emperor Akbar from 1566, and every emperor after him added to it. Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb built halls, gardens and gateways, and the Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh later lived here. Together with the Shalamar Gardens it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Inside are the Sheesh Mahal, a hall covered in thousands of tiny mirrors, the marble Naulakha pavilion, and the Picture Wall, one of the longest tile murals in the world. Galleries in the fort show Mughal and Sikh arms, coins and paintings.

Don't miss

  1. The Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) built for Shah Jahan
  2. The Picture Wall, decorated with tile and fresco scenes
  3. The Naulakha pavilion and the Alamgiri Gate
  4. Sikh-period gallery and the Mughal armoury

Connected empires: Mughal Empire

Stories from this era

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