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The 60 feet high Rumi Gate was constructed under Nawab
Asafl-us-Daula in 1786. It is said to be identical in design to an
ancient portal at Constantinople. Its uppermost part consists of an
eight faceted chhatri, approachable by a staircase.
- Asafi Imambara (Bara Imambara) Also known as the Bara Imambara, it was built by Nawab
Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 and is one of the architectural wonders of that
era. Its central hall is said to be the largest vaulted chamber in the
world. Except for the galleries in the interior, there is no woodwork in
the entire structure. It has large underground passages which have been
blocked up. A staircase from outside leads to a series of labyrinths
known as Bhool-Bhulaiyan which is a complicated entanglement of zig-zag
pass. Visitors are advised to visit only with authorized guides. Within
the compound of the Imambara is the grand Asafi Mosque. Shahi Baoli is
another attraction here.
Timing : Sunrise to Sunset
Entry fee : Rs. 25.00 (Indian)
Rs. 500.00 (Foreigner) (inclusive of Bara Imambara, Chhota Imambara, Picture Gallery, Shahi Hamam)
Though Popularly called as the Chhota Imambara, the Hussainabad
Imambara stands to the west of Bara Imambara. Built by Nawab Mohammad
Ali Shah (1837-42), it is more ornate in design with exquisite
chandeliers, gilt-edged mirrors, silver mimbar and colourful stuccos
which adorn the interiors. A golden dome and fine calligraphy on the
exterior of the building makes it a truly exceptional monument of Mughal
architecture (open : 0600 hrs to 1700 hrs.).
The construction of Jama Masjid, to the north-west of Hussainabad
Imambara, was started in 1832 AD during the reign of Mohammad Ali Shah
but was completed after his death by his begum, Nawab Malika Janah. It
is entirely free from the pseudo-Italian art then in vogue in Lucknow
and reflects the Mughal style of architecture.
Near Rumi Darwaza, this 221 ft. high Clock Tower was built in 1887
to mark the arrival of Sir George Couper, the first Lieutenant Governor
of the United Province of Awadh.
Hussainabad Picture Gallery
Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah built it as a 'Baradari' - literally
meaning 'having 12 doorways.' It is now used as a gallery for display of
life size portraits of the Nawabs of Avadh (Open : 0800 hrs to 1700
hrs.).
Near the Clock Tower, housed in an imposing building, is a picture
gallery which has a fine collection of portraits of the rules of Awadh.
This white domed mausoleum owes its existence to Ghazi-ud-din Haider,
who on the bank of the Gomti near Sikanderbagh reproduced a copy of
Hazrat Ali's burial at Najaf in Iraq. Ghazi-ud-din Haider, and later his
three wives, were buried here. The silver tomb of Ghazi-ud-din Haider
lies in the centre of this building and is flanked by the more imposing
silver and gold tomb of Mubarak Mahal on one side.
Built for the British Resident during 1780-1800, it was originally a
large complex of many buildings. It was the scene of dramatic events
during the first war of independence in 1857. The main building
overlooks the river Gomti and is surrounded by terraced lawns and
gardens. Today, only the scarred ruins bear witness to the turmoil of
1857. SOUND & LIGHT SHOW is an added attraction here. Entry fee :
Rs. 5.00 (Indian), Rs. 100.00 (Foreigner). Tel. 2328220.
The construction of the Kaiserbagh palace complex was started in
1848 by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and was completed in 1850. The buildings on
three sides of the Kaiserbagh quadrangle, once provided quarters for
the ladies of Wajid Ali Shah's harem. In the centre stands the white
Baradari, a grand white stone edifice which was earlier paved with
silver.
The imposing twin tombs of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan and his wife Khurshid Zadi, stand near the historical Begum Hazrat Mahal Park.
On the bank of the river Gomti, stands in a beautiful park, this
white marble memorial, dedicated to the martyrs who laid down their
lives during the Freedom Movement of India.
Dilkusha Kothi set amidst lush green, was built in the Gothic style.
The Kothi and its adjoining magnificent garden were created by Nawab
Saadat Ali Khan. It is almost an exact replica of an English country
house called Seation Delavel, built in 1721.
Overpowering in dimensions yet aesthetically designed, Charbagh
railway station built in 1914 incorporates the best of Rajasthani and
Mughal architecture. It gives an ideal traditional warm welcome to every
visitor.
The Finest and the largest example of European funerary monument
in the subcontinent, La Martiniere is associated with its rather strange
and romantic past. Built and designed by French soldier turned
architect-Claude Martin, It incorporates the features of Italian
architecture, fusing them with native architectural attributes of Hindu
and Mughal architecture. Today it houses one of the leading educational
instructions of the city.
Derives its name from one of the begums of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah,
Sikandar Mahal. It was 120 square yards in area surrounded by a high
wall, with a summer house in its centre. The place had also been
associated with the war of independence activities. The National
Botanical Garden has been set up here after independence.
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