The bustling city of Lahore is full of historical places, yet none of them beat the Mughal-era mosaic marvel Wazir Khan Mosque, also known as Masjid Wazir Khan. This 17th-century mosque is the finest example of Mughal-era architecture to be found in all of the country.
It is easily one of the most iconic Mughal-era mosques, with its magnificent frescoes and colorful tile work. Located in the historic Walled City of Lahore, known for its rich culture of cultivating craftsmanship and art, it’s no wonder that Wazir Khan Masjid was built here.
Anyone fascinated by history and architecture will find exploring this religious site an unforgettable experience. In case you are wondering what makes it can’t miss historical places in Lahore and what essential things you must look to do in Wazir Khan Mosque, read our complete guide to know why it should definitely be on your list of best things to do in Lahore!
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Location
Surrounded by the crowded streets of Walled City, Wazir Khan Mosque is not far from the famous Delhi Gate. This historically significant mosque is located south of Shahi Guzargah (the royal trail), which stretches from Delhi Gate to Lahore Fort. It was once taken by Mughal Emperors when they traveled from Delhi to Lahore.
Shahi Hammam is also in close proximity to Wazir Kahn Mosque, which is another Mughal-era relic built in the early 17th century and included in the list of best places to visit in Lahore. The mosque’s main entrance faces the Wazir Khan Chowk, which further leading to Shah Alam Market.
It can be accessed from Delhi Gate through the White Gate or Chitta Darwaza, which was one of Lahore’s main entry points and the original Delhi Gate. One of Asia’s largest spice markets, Akbari Mandi, also stands near the mosque.
Masjid Wazir Khan History
The Mosque of Wazir Khan in Lahore was built in 1634 CE during the Shah Jahan period at the site of the pre-Mughal shrine of Sufi saint Syed Muhammad Ishaq Gazruni. It was commissioned by Hakeem Ilam-ud-din Ansari, popularly known as Wazir Khan, who was the imperial minister of Shah Jahan’s court for the Punjab region.
Wazir Khan Mosque was his maiden monumental project in Lahore. It was completed in seven years and later recognized as the architectural and artistic renaissance due to its intricate frescoes and faience tile work that adorns its minarets, interior walls, and exterior.
The mosque boasts Calligrapher’s Bazaar, which comprises several shops where calligraphers painted Quranic verses and bookbinders gave new life to Islamic manuscripts.
Wazir Khan Mosque holds historical significance as it was the imperial mosque before the construction of Badshahi Mosque, and Emperor Shah Jahan used to offer congregational prayers in this mosque. The Mosque is on the UNESCO World Heritage’s tentative List and is one of the most beautiful mosques in Pakistan.
Architecture
Wazir Khan Mosque is a magical place of worship, and it is also famous for its artwork. After all, it was built during the period of Emperor Shah Jahan— the same Mughal Emperor credited with building one of the world’s seven wonders, the Taj Mahal.
This mosaic marvel boasts an enchanting display of art. The entrance, minarets, façades facing the inner courtyard, and prayer chamber are adorned with faience tile work and elaborate frescoes, beckoning visitors to appreciate the extraordinary level of artistry.
It continues to captivate visitors with its timeless beauty and artistry even after 400 years. Every inch of the mosque is richly embellished and decked out in bright colors, making you feel like you step into a colorful kaleidoscope. Conservation work has kept this historical relic in good condition.
The glazed, colorful tile mosaics cover the exterior walls, while its interior walls is embellished with buon frescos. You will spot Hades, calligraphy of Quranic verses, and prayers for the Prophet on the entry façade of the mosque.
The mosque’s prayer hall is divided into five sections, and its central section is topped by a grand onion-shaped dome supported by four arches that form a square pavilion, popularly known as “Char Taq.”
The dome’s underside is covered by intricate frescoes portraying the Quranic Paradise with pitchers of wine, paired trees, and platters of fruit of every kind. Masterful calligraphy in Arabic and Persian, geometric patterns, and floral designs bring a sense of serenity to the mosque’s prayer chamber.
The mosque features an expansive courtyard in the center with a pool. The façades facing the mosque’s inner brick-paved courtyard are lavishly decorated with intricate Persian floral motifs.
When it comes to history and architecture, it rivals the magnificent Badshahi Mosque. However, its courtyard is not as spacious as Badshahi Mosque.
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How to visit
Wazir Khan Masjid is tucked away in the narrow and windiest lanes of the walled city, which can be reached by taking a taxi to the Delhi Gate and then walking from there to get to the mosque.
Its protruding minarets can be seen from the distance when you pass through the entrance of Delhi Gate. There are no entry fees to visit the Wazir Khan Mosque. Visitors might be able to climb one of the minaret towers by paying a small fee to the man who collects shoes at the front gate.
The view from the top of the minaret lets the visitors see the bird’s eye of Wazir Khan Mosque, and the crowded streets of Kashmiri Bazaar, like Rudyard Kipling (British Novelist & journalist) who wrote his famous short story ‘The City of Dreadful Night’ here in late 19th century.
The mosque stays open for visitors from 5 AM- 8 PM daily and is busiest on Fridays when devotees gather for the Jummah prayer. Men and women should wear modest clothes while visiting the mosque.
You are not allowed to enter if you wear sleeveless shirts, and shorts. A head scarf is required for women to enter, and visitors will be asked to remove their shoes outside the mosque. Unlike Badshahi Mosque, it doesn’t receive too many visitors. So you can visit it anytime during the day.
What to do nearby?
Wazir Khan Mosque is carved into the extremely jammed streets of Delhi Gate in old Lahore and gives visitors plenty of things to do nearby. The famous Kashmiri Bazaar, leading straight to the mosque, houses several shops selling Kashmiri handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional items.
The bazaar’s chaotic streets are filled with people and vehicles that might overwhelm your senses, but wandering through the bazaar gives you an authentic look at daily local life.
If you want to understand more about Lahore and need a dose of culture, explore the surrounding area of the Delhi Gate market. History buffs should also visit Shahi Hamam, a beautiful restored 17th-century Mughal-era Persian/Turkish-style bath, which Wazir Khan also commissioned.
Close to Masjid Wazir Khan, the 300-year-old Sunehri Mosque is located, which is filled with Mughal-era frescoes and famous for its gilded domes and lofty golden minarets.
If you’re interested in doing something offbeat in the Walled City of Lahore, visit Akbari Mandi, Asia’s biggest wholesale spice market, outside the Shahi Hamam.
Wazir Khan Mosque is also combined with sightseeing at the Lahore Fort, which is not far from the mosque. Those keen to learn about the Old City’s heritage should explore its bustling bazaar linked together through a network.
The narrow lanes of Kashmiri Bazaar will take you to the famous Rang Mehal after passing the Kesara Bazaar and Sarafa Bazar, where you will find the tomb of Malik Ayaz (governor of Lahore during Ghazni rule) and Christian High School, which was once the residence of Nawab Saadullah Khan.
However, it is easy to feel overwhelmed in the Walled City of Lahore or Androon Lahore, so consider taking a Rangeela Rickshaw guided tour or cultural walking tour to explore the labyrinth of the old City on a decorated, noise-free rickshaw.
Further Reading for Lahore:
If you find this Lahore Fort guide helpful, check out these articles to further plan your trip to Lahore:
- Find out what to do in Lahore with our 23 cool things to do in Lahore guide.
- Looking for where to stay in Lahore? Check out our guide on the best hotels in Lahore.
- Know the must-visit places in Lahore with our 15 best places to visit in Lahore guide.
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.