Lahore Fort
شاہی قلعہ
A UNESCO-listed Mughal royal citadel. The Hall of Mirrors, Naulakha Pavilion and a 400-meter-long wall of painted tiles reflect the building programs of four emperors, from Akbar to Aurangzeb.
Lahore Fort (Shahi Qila) was rebuilt by Akbar in the 16th century, then expanded by Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. In 1981 it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the Shalimar Gardens. Must-sees include the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), decorated with convex mirror pieces; the white marble Naulakha Pavilion; the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience); and the "Painted Wall" on the exterior, where colored tiles depict elephants, horsemen and scenes of feasting. The main entrance is the Alamgiri Gate, which faces Badshahi Mosque. Foreign visitors pay more than locals (around 1,000 rupees, though check the current price on site). The complex is large, so allow 2–3 hours, or hire a licensed guide.
Opening hours
approx. 08:30–17:00 (slightly extended in summer)
Nearby sights
- Maryam Zamani Mosque
- Fort Road Food Street
- Tomb of Allama Iqbal
- Samadhi of Ranjit Singh
- Walled City of Lahore
- Badshahi Mosque
- Fakir Khana Museum
- Minar-e-Pakistan