As a testament to the wealth and splendor that was the Mughal Empire, this mausoleum features an ornate white marble sarcophagus and sprawling Persian-influenced gardens in its vicinity.
This 17th-century mosque displays elements from both Mughal and Lodi architectural traditions. Unfortunately, its exterior was severely damaged during Ranjit Singh’s Sikh army’s rule over Lahore.
Nau Nihal Singh’s Haveli
Nau Nihal Singh’s nineteenth-century Sikh period Haveli stands out as an architectural gem that still boasts original ornamentation. Situated within the historic walled city, it features over forty rooms including halls, chambers and interior courtyard facades; now serving as Victoria Girls High School.
History ascribes it a history tainted with extreme treachery, power struggles and brutal murders. Rani Chand Kaur was imprisoned during her son’s race for power; during this period she was later discovered with her head smashed against one of its balconies with multiple signs suggesting poisoning by one of his wet nurses.
The Haveli stands in its original place where Mori Gate once stood – one of 14 gates which once provided entry to the old city. From here, narrow streets zigzag through narrow lanes leading up to an open area that once housed a large garden. Now considered protected architecture and utilized as an educational institute especially beneficial to female students.
Maryam Zamani Mosque
Maryam Zamani Mosque or Begum Shahi Masjid is an impressive structure located near Lahore Fort that exudes history and heritage. Built to pay respects to Noor-ud-din Jahangir’s mother, historians speculate it may have been commissioned by his Empress herself – as was common practice among Mughal women looking to establish their presence within Islamic architecture.
The mosque stands in front of Akbari Gate, which was formerly the main gate to Lahore Fort and thus earned its name. According to legend, a tunnel connected the mosque and fort so that royal women could offer prayers at the mosque without their husbands seeing.
Its fresco paintings beautifully illustrate the sophisticated taste of Mughal imperial harem. Additionally, this tomb features four ornamental minarets and a tank for ablution purposes.
Wazir Khan Mosque
One of Pakistan’s most intricately decorated mosques, this architectural marvel can be found near Delhi Gate of the Walled City. Dating back to 17th-century Mughal era architecture and dedicated to Begum Maryam Zamani – mother of Jahangir.
Complex boasts four ornamental minarets with intricate brick and marble outline frescoes (Taza Kari) as well as inlaid stones engraved by hand, while much of it once served as mausoleums.
Wazir Khan Mosque stands out as an exceptional example of Islamic art with its intricate design, architecture and inscriptions; its exquisite brickwork being one of Lahore’s rare features. Restoration efforts underway with support from CyArk and USAID aim to restore and conserve this historic site; specifically its forecourt as well as an open area in its south which has been compromised by residential buildings encroaching upon it; this will restore its historic character while giving locals back access to reclaim it; serving as a model project to preserve other historic sites in Lahore.
Lahore Museum
Lahore Museum provides visitors with an invaluable glimpse into Pakistan’s rich history and culture. Renowned for its impressive collections of Gandhara sculpture, miniature paintings, rare manuscripts and ancient coins as well as modern paintings and arts and crafts from 500,000 years ago; tools to religious objects; this beautiful red brick building stands on Shahrahe-Quaid-e-Azam Road previously known as Mall Road was completed during British rule in 1894 and features Mughal architectural influences as well as fine British touches that come together beautifully to form its impressive architecture.
The museum features numerous galleries for visitors to experience, such as Pre and Proto-Historic Gallery, Coin Collection Gallery, Islamic Gallery, Miniature Paintings Gallery, Arms Gallery, Postage Stamp Gallery, Ethnographic Gallery Contemporary Painting Gallery and Pakistan Movement Gallery. Each exhibit provides visitors with an enriching cultural experience.
