Wazir Khan Mosque stands in the Walled City of Lahore, less than five minutes' walk from Delhi Gate. Completed in 1641, it is known for its kashi kari tile work, frescoes and Quranic calligraphy, which cover the walls, minarets and domes. The courtyard has an ablution pond, and the mosque is still an active place of worship. Walk through the bazaar lanes on the way, then look closely at the tiles inside.
Built under Shah Jahan
The mosque was built by Hakim Ilm-ud-din Ansari, who was also known as Wazir Khan, while he was governor of the Lahore province under the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Ansari had served as the personal physician of Prince Khurram, who later became Shah Jahan.
Construction began in 1634 and the mosque was completed in 1641. It was the largest mosque in Lahore at that time, about 50 years before the Badshahi Mosque was built. It formed part of a group of buildings that included the nearby Shahi Hammam, a public bathhouse.
The complex sits about 260 metres inside Delhi Gate, on the Shahi Guzargah, the royal route that Mughal nobles used when they entered the city on their way to the Lahore Fort.
Tile work and frescoes
The mosque is best known for its kashi kari, a faience tile work that covers the four minarets and the outer walls. The style is closer to mosques along the Silk Road than to most other Mughal-era mosques in the region.
Inside, buon fresco painting decorates the walls with floral patterns, geometric designs, Quranic calligraphy and vivid colours. Look up at the ceilings as well as the walls, since the painted detail continues across the arches.
The minarets are 107 feet (32.6 metres) tall.
Courtyard and how the visit works
A gateway leads into a spacious courtyard paved with red bricks. The courtyard has an ablution pond, and rooms and two pavilions face each other across it.
The lawns in the courtyard are decorated with flowers and lights in the evening, so a late visit gives a different view of the same tiles.
The approach from Delhi Gate runs through narrow lanes and a busy bazaar, with shops selling bangles, mirrors and other goods. The mosque is quieter than the Badshahi Mosque, and you can move through the courtyard and the prayer areas at your own pace, keeping to the rules for visitors during prayer times.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
The input does not say whether there is a fee, so check on arrival.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning, when sunlight hits the tiles at a low angle, or in the evening before the mosque closes. Avoid prayer times.
How do I get there?
The mosque is in the Walled City, less than five minutes' walk from Delhi Gate, through a bazaar with narrow lanes. A rickshaw from the Lahore Fort area is another option.
Is it crowded?
It draws fewer tourists than the Badshahi Mosque, so you can walk around at your own pace.
