The fort was initially constructed in 1566 AD by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, on the ruins of a mud fort which existed as early as 1021 AD. The Fort is rectangular and is located in the north western corner of Lahore, adjacent to the Walled City. It has 13 gates.

Its elaborate Mughal architecture is straight out of a storybook of the Mysterious East. The impressive pavilions with water features, some with still intact sumptuous wall decorations of inlaid semiprecious stones and painted designs. It’s large enough to allow several elephants carrying members of the royal family to enter at one time.