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While Hyderabad is gaining a reputation as India’s own Silicon Valley, the city is actually strongly rooted in its proud heritage. Sprinkled among the modern skyscrapers, shopping malls, and five star hotels in Hyderabad are historic monuments and landmarks that reveal the city’s proud past. Palaces, temples, tombs, and ornate historic homes offer glimpses into the rich cultural heritage of this Eastern jewel.

Perhaps the most iconic of all Hyderabad’s historical sites is Charminar. Legend says that Charminar was built on the exact spot where Quli Qutb Shah prayed to end an epidemic of plague that was devastating his people and promised to build a masjid there if they would be spared. Charminar is a monument to those that died during that plague.

Constructed in 1591, Charminar literally means “mosque of the four minarets” or “four towers.” It is recognized by corner minarets that rise nearly fifty meters are believed by some to represent the first four caliphs of Islam. Another legend speaks of a secret tunnel connecting Charminar to the palace at Golconda. This tunnel was supposedly created as an escape route for the royal family, but its location has never been verified.

The mosque is located on the top floor of this four-story structure. The building includes two galleries and 45 covered prayer spaces are located in the main gallery. Each minaret has a winding staircase of 149 steps leading to the top. In 1889 clocks were installed on each of Charminar’s four arches. The entire structure is built of granite and lime mortar in the Cazia architectural style.

Known for its intricate moldings and carvings, Charminar is even more spectacular at night when the entire monument is illuminated.

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