The Badshahi Mosque stands in the Walled City of Lahore, in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Its address is Fort Road, and it is also known as the Emperor's Mosque, a name that reflects its origins as a royal commission.
The mosque was built by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1673, and it is counted among the largest mosques in the world. Its scale is the first thing most visitors notice, with a vast open courtyard and a great prayer hall set against the sky of the old city.
What to look for
The building is a fine example of Mughal architecture, and its surfaces repay close attention:
- Red sandstone forms the main body of the mosque, giving it its warm colour.
- Marble inlay work decorates the structure, adding contrast and detail to its walls and arches.
- The courtyard and prayer hall show the proportions and order typical of the Mughal style.
Planning a visit
The mosque is a working place of worship as well as a historic monument, so visitors should dress modestly and behave with respect for those praying. Because it sits within the Walled City, it makes a natural stop alongside the surrounding old quarter of Lahore, whose narrow streets and historic buildings give a sense of the city's past. Its address on Fort Road places it close to the older heart of the city, and the telephone number +92-42-99213441 is available for anyone wishing to check details before going.
