Four minarets
The city's symbol.
Sowmya Krishnan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · MusthafaJ — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Tarunsamanta — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Bhaskaranaidu — Public domain · Pinakpani — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Pinakpani — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Hariprasad Ajith — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sailko — CC BY 3.0
Hyderabad's best-known symbol, a monumental gateway of granite and lime mortar built in 1591 in the heart of the Old City; its name means «four minarets», after the four tall minarets on its corners, and it now features in the emblem of Telangana. It remained the tallest building in Hyderabad for almost four centuries, until 1987, and a small mosque on its top floor was used for prayer for more than 435 years. Its four great arches face the four directions, with fine stucco decoration and balconies. Around it buzz the Old City markets, including Laad Bazaar for bangles and the pearl shops Hyderabad is famous for, and nearby are celebrated restaurants serving Hyderabadi biryani and, in Ramadan, haleem, mostly halal. Climbing to the first floor costs foreign visitors about ₹300, per visitor guides, during the day. The crowds are heavy, so come in the morning; it looks magical lit up at night, and pairs easily with the nearby Mecca Masjid and Chowmahalla Palace.
The city's symbol.
Bangles and pearls.
Close by.
Old City, Hyderabad
Laad BazaarA historic market on one of the four roads that branch out from the Charminar, t2 minutes walk
Mecca MasjidHyderabad's largest mosque and one of the largest in India, holding about 10,0002 minutes walk4.6
Chowmahalla PalaceThe palace of the Nizams of Hyderabad and seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, which r6 minutes walk4.5
Salar Jung MuseumOne of India's notable national museums, on the south bank of the Musi River in 16 minutes walk4.3Yes, to the first floor, for about ₹300 for foreign visitors, per visitor guides; viewing it from outside is free.