Purana Quila, Delhi

The construction of the ancient fort Purana Qila was commenced by the Mughal Emperor Humayun in 1533. It was later completed by Sher Shah Suri after a span of 9 years. Despite the passage of time, the old fort has withstood the test of time and remains a prime exemplar of Lodi-style architecture.

Within its walls, the old fort boasts three magnificent gates: the Bara Darwaza, the Humayun Darwaza, and the Talaqi Darwaza, all crafted from striking red sandstone. The Talaqi Darwaza, however, remains closed to the public and entry through this gate is prohibited. For visitors, the entrance to the fort is through the Bara Darwaza.

Purana Qila proudly houses the Qila-i-Khuna Masjid, a remarkably beautiful and captivating building. The mosque's prayer hall features five doorways adorned with horse shoe-shaped arches, skillfully constructed using marble and red sandstone, resulting in a distinct and captivating appearance. The central alcove is adorned with a gorgeously crafted dome.

Another intriguing attraction of the Old Fort is the Sher Mandal, originally built by Sher Shah for entertainment purposes, but now serving as an observatory. The building showcases a brilliant fusion of Hindu and Muslim architectural excellence. Additionally, the old fort features a small museum that houses artifacts dating back to the Mughal period.