A Pakistan holiday invariably includes a visit to the huge Lahore Fort or Shahi Qila, which dominate the skyline of the old city of Lahore. The fort covers a rectangular area of 380 by 330m. Built by Akbar in 1560s, the fort houses an array of exquisite buildings and pavilions, some of which were added by the succeeding Mughals as well as the Sikhs and the British.
It contains all the expected trappings of the center of Mughal government: halls of public and private audience, domed and arched marble palaces, plush private apartments, a mosque, and elaborately designed gardens.
Entrance to the fort is through Alamgiri Gate built under the patronage of Aurangzeb. The gate shows a distinct simplicity unlike the splendor of those built during the reign of his predecessor.
Another gateway to the fort is the Masti (or Masjid) Gate, named after the mosque, which still stands outside the Gate. Built by Akbar in 1566, it was the original main gate to the fort.
 Among the major highlight inside the Lahore Fort is the hall of public audience, the Diwan-i-Am. Built by Shah Jahan1631, the lofty hall served as the spot of daily public appearances by the emperor in front of his subjects and is supported by 40 sturdy pillars.
Built by Akbar1566, Diwan-e-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) is another fine building inside the fort. This place was used by the emperor to address the highest nobles of his court.
Built by Shah Jahan in1644, the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) is beautifully proportioned and is one of the of three Moti (Pearl) Mosques built by the Mughals.
Located in the northeast corner of the fort is its most beautiful palace, Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). It is decorated with small mirrors of different colors.
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