Lahore is a vibrant and culturally rich city in Pakistan, with a history that dates back to ancient times. There are many places to visit in Lahore that offer a glimpse into the city’s past and present. Here are five of the best:
Lahore Fort:
Lahore Fort, also known as Shahi Qila, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of Lahore, Pakistan. The fort was built in the 16th century during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar and was later modified and expanded by subsequent Mughal emperors.
The Lahore Fort is an impressive structure, spanning over 20 hectares and featuring a combination of Mughal, Sikh and British architectural styles. It is surrounded by a 2-kilometre-long wall with 13 gates and is situated adjacent to the Badshahi Mosque, another famous Mughal-era monument in Lahore.
The fort has several notable features, including the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), which is decorated with thousands of small mirrors and was used as a private quarters for the Mughal emperor, and the Naulakha Pavilion, which was used for royal audiences and is famous for its intricate woodwork and frescoes.
Today, the Lahore Fort is open to the public and serves as a popular tourist attraction in Lahore, attracting both locals and visitors from around the world.
Badshahi Mosque:
Badshahi Mosque is one of the most famous and best places to visit in Lahore, Pakistan. It was built in 1673 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, and it is considered to be one of the largest mosques in the world.
The mosque is situated opposite the Lahore Fort and features a grand courtyard, which can hold up to 100,000 worshippers at once. The mosque’s main prayer hall is also spacious and can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers.
The Badshahi Mosque’s architecture is a fusion of Mughal and Islamic styles, featuring marble domes, minarets, and intricate carvings. The mosque is particularly famous for its ornate red sandstone façade, which is decorated with white marble inlays and calligraphy.
The mosque’s interior is also decorated with intricate marble and tile work, as well as frescoes and paintings from the Mughal era. The main prayer hall also features a marble pulpit and a large chandelier made of Murano glass.
Today, the Badshahi Mosque remains an active place of worship and is also a popular tourist attraction in Lahore. Visitors from around the world come to admire the mosque’s stunning architecture and learn about its rich history and cultural significance.
Lahore Museum:
The Lahore Museum is located in Lahore, Pakistan. It was established in 1894 and is one of the oldest and largest museums in South Asia. The museum’s collection includes artefacts and exhibits related to the history, art, and culture of Pakistan and the Indian subcontinent.
The Lahore Museum has an extensive collection of objects and artefacts from the Gandhara period, which dates back to the 1st century CE. This includes sculptures, coins, pottery, and other artefacts from the ancient Gandhara civilization.
The museum also has a large collection of Islamic art and calligraphy, including manuscripts, pottery, and textiles from various Islamic cultures.
Other notable collections at the Lahore Museum include paintings, jewellery, and weapons from the Mughal period, as well as artefacts and exhibits related to the history of the Punjab region.
In addition to its permanent collections, the Lahore Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs for visitors of all ages. The museum is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and is considered an important cultural institution in Pakistan.
Wazir Khan Mosque:
The Wazir Khan Mosque is a historic mosque located in the old city of Lahore, Pakistan. It was built in the 17th century by the Mughal governor of Lahore, Hakim Ilmuddin Ansari, also known as Wazir Khan. The mosque is considered one of the most ornately decorated mosques in the world and is renowned for its intricate tile work, frescoes, and calligraphy.
The mosque is situated in the midst of a bustling bazaar and is surrounded by shops and marketplaces. Its construction involved the use of bright and colourful glazed tiles, which were imported from different parts of Persia and Central Asia.
The main prayer hall of the Wazir Khan Mosque is adorned with frescoes and calligraphy, featuring intricate patterns and floral motifs. The mosque also has several smaller prayer halls, courtyards, and a bathhouse for ablutions.
The Wazir Khan Mosque has undergone extensive restoration work in recent years to preserve its architectural and cultural heritage. It is considered a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and is a popular tourist attraction in Lahore, drawing visitors from all over the world.
Lahore Zoo:
Lahore Zoo is a popular attraction located in the heart of Lahore, Pakistan. It is one of the oldest and largest zoos in South Asia, spanning over 25 hectares of land. The zoo is home to over 1,200 animals of more than 135 different species, including lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and various species of birds, reptiles, and primates.
The Lahore Zoo was established in 1872 during British colonial rule and has since undergone significant development and expansion. The zoo is open to visitors seven days a week and attracts thousands of visitors every year, including tourists and locals.
In recent years, there have been concerns raised about the welfare of animals in Lahore Zoo, with reports of poor living conditions and inadequate care. Efforts are being made by the government and animal welfare organizations to improve the conditions for the animals and ensure their well-being.
