Lahore Fort

Lahore Fort is a massive fort situated in the northern part of Lahore. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations and is also a world heritage site. The embodiment of Mughal architecture, the fort stands tall along with the garden and various other features.

Lahore Fort is a popular tourist destination and has a great deal of historical significance. It is colloquially known as the Shahi Qila meaning a royal fort located in Lahore, Pakistan. The citadel is situated in the northwestern part of the city of Lahore. This fortification and the garden occupy an area of 20 hectares. The fort represents the Mughal architecture. It is one of the glorious possessions of Lahore and was conferred the status of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 1981. Since then, the fort has been one of the major attractions of Lahore.

History of the Fort

There are various stories regarding the origin of the Fort in Lahore. The fort existed in the region from times immemorial. However, it was refurbished during the Mughal reign by Emperor Akbar. Coins of Mahmood of Ghazni have been discovered in this region by the Archaeological Department which reveals that the citadel has existed during 1021 AD. Moreover, the name of the fort has been found in the documents written during the period from 1180 to 1186 AD when Muhammad Ghori invaded Lahore.

The Structure of the Lahore Fort

The fort was previously a structure of mud which was reconstructed by Akbar with solid brick and he also

extended the area of the massive fort towards the Ravi River. The fort symbolizes a blend of Persian and Mughal architecture. It is divided into two parts namely, the private and the administrative portions. The administrative portions include the garden areas and the Diwan-e-Khas for the royal meeting whereas the other portion includes the residential area, the Shish Mahal, small gardens and luxurious bedrooms. The original entrance is through the Maryam Zamani Mosque. The enormous Alamgiri Gate built by Aurangzeb opens to Hazuri Bagh through Badshahi Mosque.

The different portions of this majestic fort are as follows: