precious-postcards

Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore

These are two masterpieces from the time of the brilliant Mughal civilization, which reached its height during the reign of the Emperor Shah Jahan. The fort contains marble palaces and mosques decorated with mosaics and gilt. The elegance of these splendid gardens, built near the city of Lahore on three terraces with lodges, waterfalls and large ornamental ponds, is unequalled.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/171

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 (on the postcard)

- 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. 

http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/site.php?id=171