Sheesh Mahal, Lahore Fort, Lahore, Pakistan

Fort Rd

About

The Sheesh Mahal (The Palace of Mirrors) is located within the Shah Burj block in northern-western corner of Lahore Fort. It was constructed under the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1631-32. The ornate white marble pavilion is inlaid with pietra dura and complex mirror-work of the finest quality. The hall was reserved for personal use by the imperial family and close aides. It is among the 21 monuments that were built by successive Mughal emperors inside Lahore Fort and forms the jewel in the Fort's crown. As part of the larger Lahore Fort Complex, it has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. The sheesh mahal was built by a famous architect of mughals. It was built in the middle of Akbar's rule. The facade, comprising of five cusped marble arches supported by coupled columns, opens into the courtyard. The engrailed spandrels and bases are inlaid with precious stones. The pavilion is in the form of a semi-octagon, and consists of apartments roofed with gilded cupolas and intricately decorated with pietra dura and convex glass and mirror mosaic with thousands of small mirrors. The decorative features also include stucco tracery and carved marble screens in geometrical and tendril designs. The roof of the central hall rises up to two storeys. The hall was originally decorated with fresco paintings that were later replaced with glass mosaic in different colors. Sheesh Mahal is a must-see point of interest when you are in Lahore Fort. NO one can miss-out this great structure once roaming inside the Lahore Fort. Entry to the Fort is through tickets. Best time to visit The Fort via-a-vis Sheesh Mahal is from October to March. Services of local guide should be sought to properly cover the trip to this great place. Good fun for families with kids and grwon-up children. There are certain gift-shops that provide souvenirs of Lahore and Lahore Fort.

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