Bara Imambara: This huge and elegant building is also called the Asafai Imambara. It is said that this hall is the world’s largest arched room without any pillars and the Nawabs used to hold their public hearings. The building was built in a famine relief program in 1784 by Nabab Asaf-ud-Daulla.
Chhattar Manzil: It was the most imposing building erected by the Nawabs. It can still be seen in its former glory from all the corners of Lucknow. Its gilded dome "chattar", giving its name, is the prominent landmark.
Clock Tower: This 221 feet tall structure, the tallest Clock Tower in India, is one of the finest examples of British Architecture in India.
Jama Masjid: The splendid mosque built by Muhammad Ali Shah in the typical Mughal style with two minarets and three domes, lies to the west of the Hussainabad Imambara and is entirely free from pseudo Italian art, then in vogue in Lucknow.
Moti Mahal: Among the three beautiful buildings on the fringes of the River Gomti, is the Moti Mahal or the Palace of Pearls constructed by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan. The Nawabs used these buildings to view the birds in flight.
Rumi Darwaza: Just beyond Bara Imambara is an impressive gateway, Rumi Darwaza, built by Nawab Asafuddaula in 1784. It is also known as the Turkish Gateway. The heart and soul of the Avadh architecture is well expressed here.
Shaheed Smarak: The tower was built to mark the first centenary of the Mutiny of 1857 and is a mark of respect for the thousands of unknown warriors who laid down their lives for the freedom and glory of their nation.
State Museum: The State Museum is open on all days except Monday, from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm. It is located in a modern three-storeyed building at Banarasibagh in Lucknow and is a multipurpose museum with sculptures, bronzes, paintings, natural history and anthropological specimens, coins, textiles and decorative arts. We can also find sculptors of the earliest image of Balarama and a Panchmukhi Shivalinga. |
