Bara Imambara :

This magnificent monument recalls the glorious past of the nawabs and stands out for its austerity in style, proportion and symmetry along with daring techniques in architecture. To provide employment and relief to his subjects during the calamitous famine of 1784, Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula built this Imambara, which also houses his tomb. The remarkable feature of the Imambara is the absence of pillars for support, to the 50 ft high main hall and a labyrinth of intricate balconies and passages in the upper floor, the 'Bhul Bhulaiyya'. To the left of the Imambara is the imposing Asfi Mosque (open from 0600 hrs to 1700 hrs.).

Chhota Imambara :

Though popularly called as the Chhota Imambara the Hussainabad Imambara stands to the west of Bara Imambara. Built by Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah (1837-42), it is more ornate in design with exquisite chandeliers, gilt-edged mirrors, silver mimbar and colorful stucco s which adorn the interiors. A golden dome and fine calligraphy on the exterior of the building makes it a truly exceptional monument of Mughal architecture (open 0600 hrs to 1700 hrs.).

Hussainabad Picture Gallery :

Nawab Mohammad Ali shah built it as a 'Baradari' - literally meaning having 12 doorways. It is now used as a gallery for display of life size portraits of the Nawabs of Avadh (open 0800 hrs to 1700 hrs.).

Clock Tower :

Constructed in 1887, the Hussainabad Clock Tower is one of the finest examples of British architecture in India. The 221 feet tall structure was built to mark the arrival of Sir George Couper, Ist Lieutenant Governor of the United Province of Avadh with a cost of Rs.175 lakhs.

Jama Masjid :

The construction of Jama Masjid, to the north west of Hussainabad Imambara was started in 1839 AD during the reign of Mohammad Ali shah but was completed after his death by his begum, Nawab Malika Jahan. It is entirely free from the pseudo - Italian art then in vogue in Lucknow and reflects the Mughal style of architecture.

Shahnaja Imambara :

Situated on the bank of river Gomti near Sikandar Bagh, the Shahnajaf Imamabara was built by Ghazi-ud-din Haider, the Ist king of Avadh. It is a replica of the tomb of Hazrat Ali at Najaf in Iraq. Inside is the replica of silver rauza of Najaf. Ghazi-ud.din Haider lies buried here with his three gegums Sarfaraz Mahal, Mubarak Mahal amd Mumtaz Mahal.

Maqbara Saadat Ali Khan And Khurshidzadi :

The twin maqbaras of Saadat Ali Khan and Khurshid Zadi near the Begum Hazrat Mahal Park, are one of the best examples of Avadh architecture. The proportionate domes with elegant kiosks and above all, well balanced architectural desing makes them extremely interesting.

Rumi Darwaza :

The 60 feet high Rumi Darwaza was constructed under Nawab Asafuddaula in 1786. It is said to be identical in design to an ancient portal at Constantinople. Its uppermost part consists of an eight facted chhatri, approachable by a staircase.

Chhatara Manzil :

The "Umbrella Place" stands near the present Hanuman Setu. It derives its name from the guilt dome with a covering umbrella, which gives a special magnificence to the complex. Constructed by Nawab Ghazi-ud-din Haider and completed by his son Nasir-ud-din Haider. Today it houses the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI).

Qaiserabagh Palace Complex :

The Qaiserabagh Place were commenced in 1848 and completed in 1850 by the last nawab of Avadh, Wajid Ali Shah. They yellow buildings flanked by two Kakkhi Gates provided quarters for the ladies of the royal harem. In the centre of the quadrangle stands the Baradari, a white stone edifice of picturesque design.

Moti Mahal :

The 'Pearl Place' was erected by nawab Saadat Ali Khan, later Ghazi-ud.din Haider added two other buildings to the complex - the Shah Manzil and the Mubarak Manzil. They were mainly constructed for the Nawab and his courtiers to watch animal combats from the balconies of these buildings, which were held at the other side of the river. QADAM RASUL The "Prophet's Footprint" was brought to India from Mecca by some distinguished pilgrim. Though badly damaged in 1857 war, the stone bearing the foot print still stands on a high pedestal near Sikandar Bagh (NBRI), constructed by Nawab Ghazi-ud-din Haider.

Sikandara Bagh :

Derives its name from one of the begums of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, Sikander Mahal. It was 120 square yardsin area surrounded by a high wall, with a summer house in its centre. The National Botanical Garden has been set up here after independence.


Dilkusha Palace :

"Hearts Delight" was constructed by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan as a hunting retreat. The palace is laid down amidst extensive parks near the bank of river Gomti.

Bibiyapur Kothi :

Erected under directions of General Claude Martin as a country house during days of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. It was chiefly used as a guest-house of incoming British residents. It was here that Saadat Ali Khan was proclaimed Nawab of Awadh by Sir John Shore.