About Lahore Fort (Shahi Qila)
Lahore Fort, or Shahi Qila, is the vast walled citadel that crowns the northwest corner of the old city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was built and rebuilt across centuries by successive Mughal emperors, most significantly Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan, and later used by the Sikhs and British.
Inside its walls lies a whole royal city: audience halls, marble pavilions, tiled courtyards, the famous Picture Wall and the dazzling Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). It’s the single most important monument in Lahore and the natural starting point for any visit.
Highlights
- Sheesh Mahal, Shah Jahan’s Palace of Mirrors, inlaid with countless tiny convex mirrors.
- Alamgiri Gate, The monumental main gate facing Badshahi Mosque, built by Aurangzeb.
- Diwan-e-Aam & Diwan-e-Khas, The halls of public and private audience.
- Naulakha Pavilion, An exquisite marble pavilion with pietra dura inlay.
- Picture Wall, A vast tiled facade depicting court scenes, animals and battles.
Nearby & related sites
Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors)
Shah Jahan's shimmering mirror-work pavilion, the crown jewel of Lahore Fort.
Read guide →Alamgiri Gate
The monumental main gate of Lahore Fort, facing Badshahi Mosque.
Read guide →
Badshahi Mosque
Aurangzeb's monumental 17th-century mosque, one of the largest in the world.
Read guide →Hazuri Bagh
The Mughal garden square between Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque.
Read guide →