Historical Places in Lucknow for a Glimpse into History

Bara Imambara is one of the most famous historical places in Lucknow. Also known as Asfi Imambara, after the name of the Nawab of Lucknow who got it constructed, it is an important place of worship for the Muslims who come here every year to celebrate the religious festival of Muharram. The Imambara is especially known for its incredible maze, known as Bhul Bhulaiya locally, which is located in the upper floor of the monument.

The Chhota Imambara, or the Imambara of Hussainabad, is one of the most beautiful and attractive historical places in Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh in India. This imposing monument lies to the west of Bara Imambara and is a true sight to behold. The Chhota Imambara was initially a congregation hall for Shia Muslims that was built by Muhammad Ali Shah, who was the third Nawab of Awadh, in the year 1838.

The Rumi Darwaza was built in 1784-86 and is a 60 feet high entrance, with no visible supporting fittings. It is also known as the Turkish Gate and displays Awadhi architectural style.

Located in Tehseenganj, Hussainabad, Jama Masjid is a Muslim mosque and historical place in Lucknow built by King Mohammad Ali Shah Bahadur. Constructed on an elevated square platform, the mosque was built to surpass the grand Jama Masjid in Delhi. It boasts of a fancy decor with lime plaster, adorned with stucco motifs and has high arched ceilings and sturdy pillars.

The British Residency of Lucknow served as a refuge for several Britishers during the uprising on 1857. This historical place in Lucknow is now in ruins and a cemetery nearby contains the graves of the hundreds of Britishers who died during the siege. The fort ruins are now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Shah Najaf Imambara is a Muslim monument centrally located in Lucknow city at Rana Pratap Road. The dome shaped monument houses the graves of Nawab Ghazi - ud - din Haider and his wives. The mausoleum also boasts of splendid architecture and is front facing a beautiful garden with vibrant blooming flowers.

Moti Mahal, popularly known as the Pearl Palace is a historic monument built by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan. Situated on the banks of River Gomti, the palace was used by the royal family to watch animal combats on the other side of the river. Besides, it was also used for bird-watching. This historical place in Lucknow is built next to Mubarak Manzil and Shah Manzil.

A hunting lodge converted into a summer palace for the royals, Dilkusha Kothi was built in 1800 by Major Gore in Baroque style. It faced major impact during the first war of independence and hence lies in a less than perfect state with just a few towers and walls standing.

Once belonging to a French businessman Neal, Firangi Mahal was transferred to the government treasury under the royal decree, which was then developed into an Islamic school by Aurangzeb's consultant and his brother.

Chattar Manzil or popularly known as Umbrella Palace was built by Nawab Ghazi Uddin Haider and was later on used by the ruler of Awadh and his wives. This historic place in Lucknow is a glowing example of Indo-European-Nawabi architecture and is situated on the banks of river Gomti. The building has large underground rooms and a huge chattri adorning its dome.

Built by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, Safed Baradari is a white marbled palace originally constructed as the Nawab's "Palace of Mourning". The building was initially called Qasr-ul-Aza and was later used by the British to hold court for petition.

Built in the Indo-Islamic architectural designs, Shahi Baoli was built by the Mughals as the water reservoir. The baoli has five storeys and served cold water to the people in the ancient times. Currently, it is only used as a tourist spot.

Standing tall adjacent to the Rumi Darwaza, the Husainabad Clock Tower was built in 1881 and since has been the tallest clock tower in India. It is 67 meters high, displaying Victorian-Gothic brilliance with a 14 feet long pendulum and a dial in the shape of a 12 petalled flower.

Built by Nawab Ghazi-ud-Din Haider, Maqbara of Saadat Ali Khan is famous for its brilliant architecture. The mausoleum is constructed in the Indo- Islamic architecture style with a massive dome adorned by an inverted guldasta.

Nawab Saadat Ali Khan got the Sikandar Bagh built in the 1800 AD. The bagh is known to be the last Mughal garden in India. This historical place in Lucknow also acted as a venue in the 1857 Battle of Independence.

Constructed between 1848-1850, under the rule of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, Kaiserbagh Palace is one of the most popular monuments and exotic masterpieces of Mughal architecture.

One of the historical places of Lucknow with an English past, the La Martinere School started in 1845. It houses the tomb of French Major-General Claude Martin as he resided there.

Chowk market is one of those historical places in Lucknow that are a window into its rich cultural heritage. Beginning from Chikan work to succulent kebabs, one can find it all at the Chowk market.