Famous Forts and Palaces of Pakistan

Famous Forts and Palaces of Pakistan

 

Pakistan is rich in historical destinations like Mohenjo Daro. For nature lovers who love snow peaks, lakes, lush green meadows, and mesmerizing valleys, Pakistan is on the list for travelers. Along with natural beauty, Pakistan has a lot to offer history students who want to explore historical destinations. Even if The fort or Palace is in a beautiful valley like Hunza surrounded by the highest peaks or in the desert of cholistan, they have their antique architectural design and importance in history. Today we are going to discuss with you some of the best Forts and Palaces in Pakistan.

1. Altit Fort

Lies in the mountains of Hunza Valley, Altit Fort is one of the oldest monuments in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. Shikari Tower in the Fort is about 1100 years, which makes it the oldest. The Fort was first built in the 11^th century by the Mir (King) of Hunza, then they moved to the new Fort Baltit 300 years ago. It is situated in the Altit town of Hunza. The Fort was restored in 2007 By Aga Khan Trust for Culture.

2. Sadiq Garh Palace Bahawalpur

The palace was built by highness Nawab Sadiq Mohammad Khan (IV) in 1882. The Palace was named the ruler of that time. It took about 10 years to complete and 15 lack rupees of expense to build the palace. Expert Engineers and Italian Architects were called to design this amazing building of the time.  The Palace is situated in Dera Nawab Sahab in Bahawalpur.

3. Rohtas Fort

Awarded by UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 as an “Exceptional example of the Muslim military architecture of Central and South Asia”, Rohtas Fort is located near Jehlum in Punjab Province of Pakistan. The Fortress was built in the 16th Century. None of the armies have ever destroyed the fort. Rohtas Fort is one of the largest forts in Asia.

4. Red Fort

Normally known as “Rutta Qila”, the Red Fort was built by the Chak rulers of Kashmir. It was built in 1646. The Fort is situated in Muzaffarabad the capital city of Kashmir on the bank of the Neelum River. Today only traces of the structure remains now. Most of the fort parts were destroyed during the 2005 earthquake.

5. Derawar Fort

Situated in the desert of Cholistan, Derawar Fort was built in the 9th century. In the early stages, it was named Dera Rawal, as it was built as a tribute to Rawal Deoraj Bhatti. Later on, converted to Dera Rawar and for the time being, it started pronounced as Derawar, which is today’s name of the Fort. The walls of the fort are 30 meters high with a perimeter of about 1.5 kilometers.

6. Faiz Mahal

Lies in the city Khairpur of Sindh province of Pakistan, Faiz Mahal was built for the sovereign court and royal family stay. It was built in n 1798. At present, Faiz Palace serves as home to the last Talpur monarch, H.H Mir Ali Murad Khan Talpur II, and sons Prince Abbas Raza Talpur and Prince Mehdi Raza Talpur.

7. Bala Hissar

Built in 1526 in Peshawar city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, Bala Hissar is commonly known as Bala Hisar. The word is from the Dari Persian language and means “Elevated or high fort”.  Named by the Afghan Durrani Dynasty during the 18th century. It was first the royal residence of the Afgan Durrani Dynasty many centuries ago. Today it serves as headquarters for the Pakistan Frontier corps.

8. Ranikot Fort

Known as the Great wall of Sindh, Ranikot is believed to be the largest Fort in the world. The original architect and purpose of the Fort are unknown. Some archaeologists point to the 17th century for the rebuilding by the Talpurs. The fort is situated in Jamshoro District of Sindh province in Pakistan. The circumference of the fort is about 32 kilometers. It is still unknown when the fort was first built.

9. Noor Mahal

Built as an Italian Chateau, Noor Mahal is located in Bahawalpur Punjab Province of Pakistan. There is a prison inside the Palace as well. Many of the antiques can be seen in the Palace. It was built in 1872. Nawab Sadiq Mohammad Khan 4 took over the construction. He was the Shah Jahan of Bahawalpur.

10. Lahore Fort

Lahore Fort is normally known as Shahi Qilla. Fort was rebuilt by the Mughal emperor in the 17th century when the Mughal empire was at its peak. The Fort was first built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century. It was awarded a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. Must visit to know the Mughal era in Lahore.

11. Baltit Fort

Built about 700 years ago, Baltit Fort is the other most impressive fort in the Hunza Valley of Pakistan. It is located in Karimabad of Hunza. The Fort at the spot where the whole of karimabad can be seen. Surrounded by many mighty peaks like Ultar, Rakaposhi, and others, Baltit fort was given the UNESCO World Heritage award in 2004. The fort was restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. It now runs as a museum.