Bara Imambara
बड़ा इमामबाड़ा
A grand Shia prayer hall built in 1784 by a nawab as famine relief, famous for its pillarless vaulted hall and the upper Bhulbhulaiya labyrinth.
The Bara Imambara was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula of Awadh during the famine of 1784, providing work relief to tens of thousands of people. The main hall is about 50 metres long and 15 metres high. Its vault was built without a single beam or iron fitting, making it one of the largest pillarless vaulted halls in the world at the time. The upper Bhulbhulaiya labyrinth consists of hundreds of narrow passages and more than 1,000 entrances and exits. From the roof you can look over the old city and Rumi Darwaza. The complex also includes the three-tier domed Asafi Mosque and the multi-level stepwell known as Shahi Baoli. Admission, which includes the Chota Imambara and the clock tower gallery, costs about 500 rupees for foreign visitors. Enter the labyrinth with a licensed guide. Shoes must be removed in some areas, and dress should be modest.
Opening hours
About 06:00–17:00 (may be restricted during Friday prayers)
Nearby sights
- Rumi Darwaza
- Husainabad Clock Tower & Picture Gallery
- Chowk
- Satkhanda
- Tunday Kababi
- Chota Imambara
- Jama Masjid, Lucknow
- The Residency, Lucknow