La Martinière College (Constantia)
La Martinière College
A Baroque palace left by French adventurer Major-General Claude Martin, now one of India's oldest prestigious schools.
The main building of La Martinière College, known as the Constantia Palace, was designed and built in the late 18th century by the French soldier Major-General Claude Martin. It blends European Baroque and Gothic styles with Indian elements. The roof is covered with lion and mythological figure sculptures, and a tall column stands in the lake in front. After Martin's death, he was buried in the basement, and his will directed that his property be used to found a school. The school was established in 1845 and is one of India's oldest schools. During the 1857 uprising, students and teachers took part in the defense of the Residency. As it is a working school, visitors can usually only admire the building from outside, though it may be entered on holidays or by appointment.
Opening hours
Exterior viewable; entry by reservation only
Nearby sights
- Gomti Riverfront Park
- Lucknow Zoo & State Museum
- Dilkusha Kothi
- Ambedkar Memorial Park
- Sikandar Bagh
- Hazratganj
- Shah Najaf Imambara
- Janeshwar Mishra Park