Historical Places in Pakistan
Pakistan is steeped in history and its past has seen a melting pot of different civilizations, empires, religions and rulers. Remnants of Buddhist monasteries and ancient civilizations, majestic Mughal-era structures, centuries-old mosques and tombs, and ancient forts greet you at every nook and corner of Pakistan. These historical places in Pakistan depict tales of bravery, triumph, and strength. Whether you’re a history buff or an admirer of architectural beauty, discover these top 10 historical places in Pakistan that you must visit.
Lahore Fort and Badshahi mosque are the best places to visit in Pakistan. These architectural masterpieces of the Mughal era fascinate millions of tourists each year. Built in the Mughal era, these two structures tell the story of the culture and era when the Mughal empire was at its aesthetic zenith.
Badshahi mosque is Lahore’s most famous monument, built in the era of Emperor Aurangzeb. This congregational mosque is made with red sandstone, and its exterior and interior are decorated with white marble inlay.
Lahore Fort is a citadel in the cultural capital of Pakistan, Lahore. Like Badshahi mosque, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site built during the Mughal period. It is one of the famous landmarks of Pakistan, and it has 21 monuments, including Diwan e Khas, Naulakha Pavilion, Sheesh Mahal, and Moti Masjid are some famous among them. Lahore Fort is a perfect amalgamation of Persian floral designs, Islamic and Hindu motifs, and Āina-kāri.
These Pakistan history places are impressive examples of Mughal architecture; you don’t have to be an architectural expert to be inspired by them.
Lahore is home to many amazing feats of Mughal architecture, and Shalimar Gardens is one of them. This famous landmark in Pakistan is Lahore’s most popular tourist attraction. Constructed during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it was designed as a quadrilateral garden to create an earthly utopia. It is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage.
Covering an area of 16 hectares, it once served as the venue to entertain the guests of the Mughal royal family. One of the hallmarks of these wondrous gardens is its quadrilateral garden, which is laid out with axial paths that meet at the center of the garden. It is a blend of Persian, Indian, and Turkish architecture. The intricate fretwork on the red masonry walls is much appreciated by historians.
Shalimar Gardens contains the most waterworks of any garden, constructed by Mughal Emperors, with 410 fountains that discharge into large marble pools. Divided into three terraces, each has over a hundred fountains to give the tourists a soothing feeling in hotter months. Surrounded by trees and perfectly arranged fountains, these gardens offer tourists a tranquil environment.
Makli Necropolis is the world’s largest necropolis site outside of Thatta in Pakistan’s Sindh province. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is spread over 10 km and has 500,000 graves and tombs of saints, kings, governors, queens, philosophers, and scholars.
A paragon of the golden age of Sindh, this site is steeped in history spanning from the 14th to the 18th centuries. The style of the tombs reflects the Persian and Central Asian influence, resulting in a myriad of diverse structures.
From Arabic calligraphy to carved floral patterns into the stone, blue-tile work to colorful mosaic detailing, many of the decorations on the tombs nod towards Persian ties. It is a must-visit place in Pakistan if you want to learn more about this region’s history.
Another UNESCO World Heritage site on our list of historical places in Pakistan is Taxlia. It is one of Pakistan’s most visited cultural sites, often considered Asia’s most significant archaeological site. Once the capital of ancient Gandhara city, Taxila lies 16 miles northwest of the Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan area.
Built in 1000 BCE, this ancient city has Buddhist monasteries, fortifications, settlements, and buildings. The ruins show this region’s urban development pattern over five centuries.
This archaeological site includes numerous buildings, fortifications, monasteries, and settlements. There are more than 50 archaeological sites in the 30-kilometer radius of the city, and Dharmarajika stupa, Mohra Muradu Monastery, and Jaulian Monastery are regarded as the most important. Taxila was the earliest Buddhist settlement, and the University of Ancient Taxila is believed to be one of the world’s earliest universities.
The archelogy complex in Taxila attracts over 1 million tourists each year. If you are a history buff, this is a must-visit historical place in Pakistan where remnants of several ancient civilizations tell you the tales of a bygone era.
The ideal time to visit the Taxila ruins is during the cooler months of the year.
Constructed by Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri in 1541, this historical monument is close to Jhelum City. It is situated on the top of the hill, giving the visitor an astonishing view of the surrounding landscape. The area of Rohtas Fort is 70 hectares, and the height of the outer defensive wall is between 10 and 18 m. Lauded for its Muslim military architecture, this fort served as a means of protection during the reign of Emperor Suri.
However, it was never stormed by the Mughal army and remained intact. The architectural style of the fort uses various influences from South Asia, the Middle East, and Turkey. It is the only existing citadel structure built during Emperor Suri’s rule.
Like other historical sites in Pakistan on our list, it is also inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites List. Most of the parts of Rohtas Fort are well preserved. Haveli Man Singh, Rani Mahal, Shahi mosque, and Gurudwara Chowa Sahib are notable attractions of the fort.
Mohenjo-daro is the world’s most prominent archaeological site and famous landmark in Asia, dating back to 2500 BC. It is a metropolis of the Indus civilization located in the Sindh province. This settlement is regarded as one of the world’s ancient cities, showing evidence of a best-channeled drainage system and complex streets.
It represents South Asia’s most urbanized and largest civilization, which is worth visiting due to the remains of ornament pottery, multi-story dwellings with a courtyard, a 12-m high mound, 700 wells, and unique construction. The site was rediscovered in the 1920s after deteriorating in the 19th century. No defensive wall was built for the fortification like other Bronze Age cities.
Instead, they constructed a series of fortifications and guard towers to the south and west of the main settlement. The experts found lapis lazuli and gold in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like other heritage sites, it is also under constant threat of erosion.
Located in the southern Punjab city of Uch, Uch Sharif Monuments are famous historical monuments in Pakistan that date back to the 12th century. The city of Uch was founded by Alexander the Great and later became the capital of the medieval empire, Delhi Sultanate.
Though monuments are scattered throughout the city, Uch Monument Complex is the most visited funerary monument site in the city’s oldest part. There are 16 monuments in this complex that date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. These sacred buildings and Sufi mausoleums were commissioned by Mughal emperors.
The largest and most notable tombs include Ustad Nuriya, Bibi Jawandi, and Baha-ul Halim, which are renowned for their intricate craftsmanship. White and blue glazed tiles imported from Multan adorn these brick structures and form floral motifs and geometric patterns.
Other notable Pakistan historical sites in Uch Sharif include the mosque and shrine of Jalaluddin Bukhari, the shrine of Jahaniyan Jahangasht, and the mosque of Makhdoom Jahanian, which signifies the unique architectural heritage of Pakistan. That’s why these crumbling temple-like structures are on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
It is one of the best off-beat historical places in Pakistan that can be reached easily from Bahawalpur city and has many nearby tourist places that you can visit. On your trip to Uch Sharif, you can also visit Bahawalpur, the Cholistan Desert, Derawar Fort, and the Panjnad River (confluence of Chenab and Sutlaj Rivers) near Uch Sharif.
Tucked away in the eastern end of Walled City, Wazir Khan Mosque is one of Pakistan’s most spectacular sights with its vivid frescoes and mosaic tile work – and easily one of the most beautiful Mughal-era mosques. Its architectural grandeur captivates hearts and transports the beholder to a world of opulence.
Completed in 1642 during the rule of Emperor Shah Jahan, Wazir Khan Masjid was commissioned by Hakeem Ilam-ud-din Ansari, popularly known as Wazir Khan, to enclose the tomb of 14th-century Sufi saint Miran Badshah, which now lies in the inner courtyard of the mosque.
With elements borrowed from Central Europe, India, and Persia, the interior and exterior of the mosque are embellished with elaborated frescoes, calligraphy of Quranic verses, floral designs and patterns, and vibrant mosaic tile work. The level of artistry in intricate frescoes, archways, and Kashi-Kari (mosaic art) is out-of-this-world, making it one of the best places to visit in Lahore.
Baltit Fort is located in the beautiful Hunza Valley, one of the fascinating historical places in northern Pakistan. Steeped in the ancient history of Hunza, this fort was once the residence of the Mirs of Hunza when it was a princely state.
Built in the 8th century CE, it is located in the town of Karimabad, which is over the hill. You can not only get the insane view of the valley below but also witness the majestic beauty of Spantik and Ultar Peak. The stained-glass windows create colorful light on the interior of the fort in the afternoon.
Visiting this ancient fort will give you a chance to enjoy the stunning views of Karimabad and dance with locals to folk music. A steep, short walk takes you to this most prominent landmark in Hunza Valley.
The famous things to do in Hunza near Baltit Fort include exploring the village around the fort and taking a hike to Queen Victoria Monument, which can be reached in an hour from the fort. If you’re a history buff, you can also visit Kharphocho Fort in the Skardu Valley, situated in the Baltistan region of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta is a famous landmark in Pakistan. Located around 100 Km from Karachi in the heart of Sindh, Shah Jahan Mosque is a 17th-century Mughal-era mosque. It is renowned for its geometric brick and blue tile work representing the influence of the Timurid architectural style.
This mosque was commissioned during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan, who bestowed it to the people of Thatta as a token of gratitude for their hospitality during his royal visit. It is a central mosque for Thatta, featuring 93 domes adorned with white and blue tiles.
No other structure in Pakistan has as many domes as the Shah Jahan Mosque. The mosque’s central dome features tiles arranged in a star-like pattern, symbolizing the night sky. The walls are decorated with calligraphic tilework, and the spandrels of its prominent arches feature 17th-century Kashi art from Iran.
The Shah Jahan Mosque also features remarkable acoustics, allowing a person speaking at one end of the dome to be heard at the other. Its 93 domes contribute to a remarkable echo, allowing the prayers in front of the Mehrab to be heard in any part of the mosque.
Lahore Fort is one of the most famous historical places in Pakistan. It dates back to the 11th century and was entirely rebuilt during the Mughal period. Some notable monuments are Diwan-i-Aam & Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Picture Wall, Hathi Paer, Jahangir’s Quadrangle, and Naulakha Pavilion.
Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens, archaeological ruins at Moenjodaro, Taxila City, Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi, and Neighboring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol, Makli Necropolis, and Rohtas Fort are UNESCO heritage sites in Pakistan.
Minar-e-Pakistan is the most famous landmark in Pakistan. It symbolizes the country’s struggle for independence, marking the site where the Pakistan Resolution was passed on March 23, 1940, which led to the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
Harappa, Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, Attock Fort, Wazir Khan Mosque, tomb of Jahangir, Katas Raj Temple, Uch Sharif Complex, Derawar Fort, Hiran Minar, Shalimar Gardens, Multan Fort and Sheikupura Fort are some famous historical sites in Punjab Pakistan.
Mohenjo-Daro is believed to be the oldest historical place in Pakistan, dating back to 2500 BCE, and was the largest settlement in the Indus Valley Civilization, but the Kot Diji is estimated to have been occupied around 3300 BCE. It is an ancient site near Khairpur in Sindh province, which was part of the Indus Valley Civilization.
About Author:
Sondus Ubin
Sondus Ubin is a freelance lifestyle writer specializing in travel and food. With nearly 10 years of experience in lifestyle content creation, her toes are dipped in the exciting world of travel and food. In her time working as a travel writer, she has had the opportunity to interact with frequent travelers and travel photographers. All that knowledge she gains and her passion for travel make it possible for her to bring you informative yet fun travel content. Trust her words to help you plan your dream trip. She lives in Lahore, where she explores the city’s most intriguing, interesting, and unusual places and captures the beauty and essence of every place through her lens. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her giving her eyes a much-needed break from screens with a good book, painting landscapes, or trying out new recipes.
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