Pakistan is home to numerous breathtaking historical landmarks that will enthrall and amaze travelers alike. Here are 16 that will capture your heart – and keep your camera shutter clicking -!
Hiran Minar or The Deer Tower was constructed during the 17th century to honor Jahangir’s pet antelope Mansraj as part of his legacy as Mughal Emperor. An unusual Lahore attraction, it should not be overlooked!
Hiran Minar
After losing their beloved pet, most people opt to keep its memory alive by keeping pictures or items associated with the animal alive. Mughal Emperor Jahangir took this a step further when Mansraji died in 1606. As a tribute, he had a minaret constructed in its honor that is now known as Hiran Minar (Deer Tower).
Mohenjo-daro, one of the major cities of Indus Valley Civilization, and now designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site is nearby this monument.
The Takht-i-Bahi complex is an archaeological site consisting of stupas, monastic cells and a tantric monastery located 15 kilometres outside Mardan city and recently underwent extensive restoration works.
Wazir Khan Mosque
Wazir Khan Mosque stands as an impressive reminder of Pakistan’s rich cultural legacy, boasting a magnificent blend of spiritual and artistic elements that create an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Location: Lahore Walled City The mosque was constructed at the request of Hakim Ilm-ud-Din Ansari, who received the title “Wazir Khan” by Emperor Shah Jahan. It faces south towards Shahi Guzargah and Wazir Khan Chowk (town square).
This mosque is famous for its intricate calligraphy illustrating passages from the Quran. Additionally, it houses the tomb of 14th-century Sufi Saint Syed Muhammad Ishaq Gazruni (also known as Miran Badshah), who hails originally from Iran but resided during Lahore’s Tughluq dynasty and can be reached via its long courtyard. His crypt can also be reached via this courtyard.
Walled City of Lahore
Lahore’s Walled City should be on everyone’s itinerary when visiting Pakistan, featuring many historical monuments as well as historic havelis that provide insight into life during Moghul Rule.
At the height of his rule during Ghaznavid rule, Emperor Akbar added thirteen gates to this historic city connected by thirty bases high fortified walls: Bhati Gate, Delhi Gate, Kashmiri Gate, Lohari Gate, Masti Gate, Mochi Gate Mori Gate Roshnai Shairanwala Taxali Gate are some of these still existing gates today.
The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), through its local entity Aga Khan Cultural Service-Pakistan, has formed a Public Private Partnership agreement with the Punjab government in order to support conservation work in Lahore’s Walled City and nearby low-income communities. In 2010, AKTC successfully completed Gali Surjan Singh conservation project for improved housing within this historic neighborhood.
Ranikot Fort
Ranikot Fort, commonly referred to as the Great Wall of Sindh, is one of the world’s largest forts and is also recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Historians remain uncertain as to its purpose, yet its impressive structure and serene environment make it well worth visiting. Hikers often frequent its trail network.
Travelers can access this fort by driving north along the Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway and exiting at Jamshoro, then following signs to Meeri Kot Village via Meeri Kot Road until reaching Meeri Kot Village where there is a road sign stating “Ranikot Fort”. There are two entrance gates into this fort complex – Mohan Gate and Sann Gate (thought to have been part of Mirs’ Palace).
Makli Necropolis
Pakistan is home to many historical places that speak volumes about its past. Some boast elaborate designs and structures, giving insight into various dynasties’ histories – Makli Necropolis in Thatta is such an example.
The Necropolis of Nektan contains around one million tombs dating back to the 14th and 17th centuries. Spanning 10 kilometers, its 10-kilometer area features mausoleums and enclosure tombs of different cultures including Gujarati and Islamic influences.
Tombs are an excellent representation of how local architecture has blended with foreign influences to form its own style, yet these monuments face numerous threats: windborne salinity and salt aerosols are among the primary threats, while earthquakes, weather changes, daily and seasonal variations in temperature, humidity and pressure all deteriorate them over time.
