Lahore, beyond any doubt, is a virtually inexhaustible treasure of stories that inspire and entertain thousands of people. Despite the incidence of massive amounts of self-made historical accounts of various events, occasions and places, Lahore still manages to boast a humongous assortment of distinct and authentic historical narrations. Amidst all of this, what remains unforged are the pictures of some of the most historically significant buildings in Lahore that have survived through years; a tangible manifestation of the authenticity of these narrations.
Here are some of the most famous landmarks of Lahore that exhibit how Lahore has changed over the years in the most surreal yet enchanting way:
Tollinton Market, Mall Road
Tollinton Market was built in 1864 under Queen Victoria’s patronage. It was used by the British to hold exhibitions, the industrial exhibition being the first one. It, later on, was transformed into a commercial market. However, today, it is nothing more than an annex of the Lahore Museum.
Assembly Hall Lahore
The Assembly hall was initially built in 1935. After an increase in the membership of the assembly in 2002, an additional building was built in 2005.
Kim’s Gun, Mall Road
The colossal canon placed in front of the Lahore Museum, initially known as Zamzama, is currently known as Kim’s Gun. It was used by Ahmed Shah to win the panipat battle of 1767.
Lahore Airport
Lahore’s old Walton Airport has now been replaced by the more vibrant Allama Iqbal International Airport.
Chauburji
Chauburji is one of the most celebrated Mughal architectural masterpieces. It is said that Chauburji’s four towers served as a gateway to an extensive garden that existed in the Mughal era.
Badshahi Masjid
Located in the walled city, Badshahi Mosque was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1671. It is one of the most significantly iconic landmarks of the city.
Also see: 15 Breathtaking Places in Lahore That Are Not the Badshahi Mosque
Shalimar Garden
Shalimar Gardens, the Persian garden complex commissioned by Shah Jahan, was included in the UNESCO world heritage sites in 1981.
Punjab Public Library
Punjab Public Library, established in 1884, houses around 0.3 million volumes of books, magazines, journals and newspapers. It is located near the Lahore museum.
Samadhi of Ranjit Singh
The Samadhi of Ranjit Singh is a beautiful building, across Shahi Qila, harboring the funerary urns of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Lahore High Court
The Lahore High Court, as we now know it, was first established in 1919. It is located on the Mall Road, along with several other historical buildings.
Lawrence and Montgomery Hall
The two halls built by subscription in honor of Sir John Lawrence and Sir Robert Montgomery have now assumed the status of the celebrated Quaid-e-Azam library.
Also see: This is What Life Within the Walled City of Lahore is Like
Lahore Railway Station
Lahore Junction railway station, is the primary railway station of Lahore that was built between 1859-1860 during the British Raj. It was severely affected during the riots of 1947.
Minar-e-Pakistan
Minar-e-Pakistan, the most celebrated public monument, is located in Iqbal Park where Pakistan resolution was passed. It is currently one of the largest urban parks in the city of Lahore.
