The red gateway
Reached by a broad stairway.
Mhtoori — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ujphotos — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Fassifarooq — CC BY-SA 4.0 · jawad — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Salman Halim — CC BY-SA 4.0
Badshahi Mosque is an imperial Mughal mosque in Lahore, built by Emperor Aurangzeb opposite Lahore Fort at the northern edge of the Walled City. It is among the best-known landmarks of Pakistan, with a facade of carved red sandstone inlaid with marble. Its enormous courtyard gives a rare sense of space in a very crowded city. It was built between 1671 and 1673 and was the largest mosque of the Mughal era, remaining the largest in the world for more than 300 years until the late 20th century. It is now the third largest mosque in Pakistan. Its entrance lies on the western side of the Hazuri Bagh garden, facing the Alamgiri Gate of Lahore Fort. You climb a broad stairway to a huge red gateway, and the courtyard opens before you, with the prayer hall at the far end under three white marble domes and tall minarets. The facade repays a closer look, as the marble inlay is finely worked. This is a place of worship, so keep quiet and avoid prayer times if you are only visiting. It is about 600 m in a straight line from Lahore Fort, so combine them in one visit. Dress modestly, women should cover their hair, and take off your shoes at the entrance. The finest time is just before sunset, when the red stone glows.
Reached by a broad stairway.
A vast red floor.
Three white domes.
Hazuri Bagh, Walled City, Lahore, Pakistan
Usually yes outside prayer times and in modest dress, so ask at the gate.
Just before sunset, when the red stone glows and the heat eases.
