Cultural sightseeing in Pakistan. What to visit - museums, temples, castles and palaces

Pakistan is a country with an ancient history. Many ancient structures that have survived to our days remind us of this. Many modern buildings are also considered cultural attractions, despite their young age. The Shah Faisal Mosque vaguely resembles a center for contemporary art. The mosque, built at the expense of the rulers of Saudi Arabia and donated to Islamabad, exceeds the size of all Muslim temples in Asia. It was named after King Faisal, who was assassinated in 1975. Not only is the building, which made of marble and concrete, unique. The place that was chosen for the construction of a religious Shrine also deserves attention. Amazing landscapes open to visitors. The majestic Himalayas originate here. The mausoleum of General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq is located nearby. The International Islamic University is open on the territory of the temple.

The fortress of Derawar is located away from the tourist trails in the Cholistan Desert. Forty-majestic towers with a height of thirty meters form a powerful defensive structure. The masonry of dried bricks reproduces the Eastern ornament. The fortress was built in the Middle Ages. It served as a reliable shelter. But it was destroyed as a result of numerous wars. A powerful fortification was restored in the XVIII century. This is one of the most impressive sights in Pakistan today. A marble mosque of incredible beauty is located on the territory of the Fort. The fortress is private property. Only high-ranking officials, politicians, or local elites could get here for a long time. Although the Fort is open to tourists today, it can only be visited by special permission.

The ancient city of Taxila is located near Islamabad. The history of this settlement goes back centuries. Manuscripts that have survived to our days indicate that Taxila was named after its ruler — king Takshi. He ruled the ancient Indian people who established their capital here. You can walk along the ancient streets of Taxila and see numerous sculptures, including the statue of Buddha. The ancient city is an open-air museum. Archaeologists continue to dig here. Taxila was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Shalimar Gardens can be called one of the wonders of the world. They are located near the city of Lahore. The gardens, that were built in 1642, are one of the most visited places in Pakistan until today. Three descending terraces stretched from North to South. The levels rise several meters above each other. The canal crosses the gardens. The huge marble pool is a special decoration. There are more than four hundred fountains, decorative ponds, waterfalls, shady alleys combined in a garden, and park ensemble here. This is a single historical complex, including the Lahore Fort, the Mirror Palace built for the wives of the Padishah, and The Shalimar Gardens.

Mohatta Palace was built in Karachi in the early twentieth century. This is one of the most beautiful structures in Asia. The building was purchased by the government of one of the regions of Pakistan as private property. The new owners were so impressed with the interior decoration that they decided to open a museum of cultural heritage here. Fascinating excursions through the underground labyrinths of the palace are particularly popular. All sorts of exhibitions are held in luxurious halls today.

Badshahi Mosque is located in Lahore. It is one of the largest in the world. Its size is impressive. A feature of the structure is the presence of eight minarets. Three snow-white marble domes adorn the building. Badshahi Mosque is one of the most important religious shrines among Muslims. The turban of the prophet Muhammad, embroidery made by his daughter, and sacred books are stored here. The mosque has fallen on hard times. The barracks were located here during the British rule. Restoration work has begun since the establishment of the Republic. Pilgrims from all over the world come to the mosque today.

The Wazir Khan Mosque is a world architectural masterpiece. It is located in Lahore. The mosque impresses not so much with its size as with its exquisite beauty. The temple was built in the seventeenth century. It is decorated with many frescoes. Two tall towers of fancy shapes are covered with Oriental ornaments. The interior decoration is not inferior to the refinement of the facade. The underground tomb is located in the courtyard. One of the rulers of Lahore who ordered the construction of the mosque is buried here. The lack of repair for a long time led to the dilapidation of the building. Large-scale restoration work is underway today.

The National Museum of Pakistan in Karachi was opened in 1950. The government of the young Islamic Republic has decided to add art and antiques to its small collection. The exhibition grew rapidly. The museum moved to a new building in 1970. The successful combination of modern design and Oriental color made the gallery the center of cultural life in Pakistan. In addition to traditional Muslim relics, you can see art objects and collections of ancient coins here. An interesting ethnological gallery will introduce you to the peoples of a densely populated country. Separate halls are dedicated to the history of the appearance of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the world map.

The Pakistanis are very sensitive to the money. It is not surprising that the museum of money (State bank Museum) appeared in Karachi in 2011. It was opened on the initiative of the State Bank. Six galleries show the history of money development from ancient times to the present day. The rarest collections of coins found during the excavations are presented to visitors. You can see banknotes and coins from the time of the British Rule here. A separate hall is dedicated to the structure and principles of the State Bank. One of the galleries is dedicated to art. The works of famous Pakistani artists are presented here. Temporary exhibitions are open. The entrance to the museum is free.