Red Fort

Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is one of India's most iconic historical monuments, located in Old Delhi, New Delhi. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fort served as the principal residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly two centuries. Built from massive red sandstone walls, the fort is renowned for its magnificent palaces, audience halls, gardens, pavilions, and impressive Mughal architecture. It is also a symbol of India's sovereignty, as the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag from its ramparts every Independence Day on 15 August. Today, the Red Fort is one of the country's most important cultural and historical landmarks.

The Red Fort was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638 CE, when he decided to shift the Mughal capital from Agra to the newly established city of Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi). Construction was completed in 1648, creating a grand fortified palace complex that became the political and cultural centre of the Mughal Empire. Designed by architects Ustad Ahmad Lahori and Ustad Hamid, the fort showcases a blend of Persian, Timurid, and Indian architectural styles. Over the centuries, the fort witnessed the reign of several Mughal emperors before being captured by the British after the Indian Rebellion of 1857, following which many of its original structures were altered or demolished. After India gained independence in 1947, the Red Fort became a national symbol of freedom and unity. In 2007, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its outstanding cultural and architectural significance. Today, the Red Fort stands as a magnificent reminder of India's Mughal legacy and its journey to independence.

Lal Qila metro station sits right outside the fort's main gate.