Field guides / Punjab / Delhi gate
Field guide · Heritage
Delhi gate
Delhi Gate is situated in the fortification wall towards east facing Delhi city, as such it is called Delhi Gate.
One of the famous gates of the city. It is very busy due to movement of the people because of the establishment of Lahore Railway Station outside of this gate. The famous Wazir Khan Mosque is situated inside the gate in its vicinity.
Why go
- ✦The Walled City's eastern gate, facing Delhi
- ✦The busiest of the surviving gates
- ✦Opens onto the route to Wazir Khan Mosque
- ✦Lahore railway station sits just outside
History
Akbar walled Lahore in the middle of the sixteenth century with twelve gates and one narrow passage — thirteen openings in all. They were shut after sunset against raiders. During the nineteenth century the British demolished most of them, deliberately, to weaken the Old City's defences. Six survive today: Bhati, Delhi, Kashmiri, Lohari, Roshnai and Shairanwala.
Historical Significance
One of only six of Akbar's thirteen gates still standing, and the entrance to the best-preserved stretch of Mughal Lahore. It anchors the Walled City of Lahore Authority's conservation work with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
Architecture
Set in the eastern fortification wall and facing towards Delhi, which gives it its name.
Why Visit
Start here. The Shahi Hammam is immediately inside, and the Wazir Khan Mosque a short walk on.
Interesting Facts
- Akbar's wall had twelve gates and one narrow passage — thirteen in all
- Only six of the thirteen survive; the British pulled the rest down in the 19th century
- The road inside is the Shahi Guzargah, the emperors' route into the city
- The gates were closed every night after sunset
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, October to March. Lahore's summer is fierce and the Walled City offers little shade; December and January can be heavily smog-bound.
Getting there, All within Lahore. The Walled City monuments — the gates, Mariam Zamani, Wazir Khan's Baradari and Hammam — sit close enough to walk between; Shahdara, Baghbanpura and Mughalpura are a short drive out.
Allow, Thirty minutes to an hour at each; a full day for the Walled City circuit.
What to Do
Make Delhi gate Part of a Trip
GreenPak resorts within reach, and the journeys that travel this region.
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Delhi gate, within 30 km.
