Fort and Shalamar Gardens

Fort and Shalamar Gardens
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The Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore are masterpieces from the time of the Mughal civilization.

Lahore Fort is a trapezoidal composition spread over 20 hectares. Origins of the fort go as far back as antiquity, however, the existing base structure was built during the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar (1556-1605), and was regularly upgraded by subsequent rulers. Among the 21 monumentals sites inside the fort are:
- Sheesh Mahal, a white marble pavillion (Palace of Mirrors)
- Alamgiri Gate, the monumental gateway to the fort
- Naulakha pavilion, a white marble personal chamber with curvilinear roof
- Moti Masjid, small mosque made of white marble

The Shalamar Gardens were built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Construction of the Persian-style garden began in 1641 A.D. and was completed the following year. The Gardens have been laid out from south to north in three descending terraces. To irrigate the Gardens, a canal named Shah Nahar (Royal canal) was constructed. It also feeds the 410 fountains.

The site was added to the Danger-list because the outer walls and hydraulic works of Shalamar Gardens are in urgent need of repair.

Year Decision Comments
2000In DangerMajor operations are necessary to protect
1981 Inscribed Reasons for inscription

Reviews

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While visiting lahore I didn't want to miss any opportunity to go to Lahore Fort and fortunately, I did so. The fort is a masterpiece of art and architecture. The marble palaces inside the fort are exampolary. I have no words to describe the beauty and style of the architecture I experienced there.
 
Reuben Lachmansingh (Canada):
The Lahore Fort, I visited Nov./03, predates the Turkish ruler Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century. It was destroyed and rebuilt on several occasions until the great Moghul emperor Akbar replaced the mud walls with solid brick masonry in 1566 extending the structure northwards. Later his offspring Jehangir, Shah Jehan and Aurangzeb added modifications of massively fortified walls. I strolled over to the Diwan-e-Aam or Hall of Public Audience, built by Shah Jehan in 1631-the same year he started the Taj Mahal. From there, the emperors were able to look down on the common people and make their rulings. Wealthier citizens met their emperors on a level floor-Diwan-e-Khas. On the north side is Shish Mahal -Palace of Mirrors. Noble buildings, withstanding the test of time.
 
Reuben Lachmansingh (Canada):
I visited the Shalimar Gardens with locals, so I didn't pay the foreigner's fee late November/2003 and they were worth the visit. The walls and floors were hand carved and made of marble and sandstone. There is no support for the ceiling, made of huge blocks of sandstone. The construction was well planned for acoustics. An artificial waterfall operates during the tourist season.. Nearby is a marble enclosure with a seat where Shah jahan sat.
The guide spoke only Urdu so the locals translated for me. He charged too much for his fee and the locals told me I should not have paid him less the the Rs. 200 he demanded. I am 69 years of age and travelled there to visit some cricket friends and the old Indus Valley civilization sites.
 
Neil Bridger (Australia):
Located centrally in the city of Lahore, the Lahore Fort is a magnificent fortified palace complex. Dating from the 16th century, its elaborate Moghul architecture is straight out of a storybook of the Mysterious East. The impressive twin-domed entrance leads into elaborately decorated courtyards and pavilions with water features, some with still intact sumptuous wall decorations of inlaid semiprecious stones and painted designs. There's even a flight of stone steps specially built for ceremonial elephant processions. The Fort is directly opposite the beautiful Red Mosque which can easily be seen in the same visit.

The Shalimar Gardens are a separate attraction located several kilometres away in another part of Lahore.
 


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