Multan: Discover History and Architecture

Multan tells its story on different scales: from the size of a prayer hall to the heights of a fort and the patterns of local handicrafts. Visitors interested in architecture and historic sites will find several ways to explore the city. These highlights can also help you plan your trip: would you like to focus on architectural styles, explore the city’s history, or discover its handicrafts?

Fort History and Views Across Multan

Multan Fort is marked by a clear historical turning point. Apart from the shrines, most of the fort was destroyed by the British in 1848–1849. The exception is as much a part of this history as the destruction itself, making it clear that the fort as it appears today cannot be reduced to a single era. From the highest point of Multan Fort, you can enjoy panoramic views of Multan. History and cityscape come together here at a striking vantage point.

Fort Kohna Multan is another historic fort complex. Damdama is its highest section and served as a watchtower or gun emplacement. This former function offers a different perspective from that of a religious site or handicraft object: here, the focus is on the historical role of a fort complex. The tomb of Bahau din Zikarya, dating from 1170, is also located in Fort Kohna Multan. The site brings together different historical themes without merging them into a single story.

The Architecture of Shahi Eid Gah Mosque

Shahi Eid Gah Mosque offers a particularly vivid impression of spatial dimensions and design. Its prayer hall measures 76 m × 16 m and has seven domes. These measurements alone give a clear sense of how far the hall extends, while the domes add a recurring architectural accent. The mosque’s exterior is decorated with glazed blue tiles in the Multan style, while the interior features elaborate mosaics. Those interested in architecture can picture the exterior and interior side by side: the tiles define the building’s exterior appearance, while the mosaics adorn the interior.

The mosque was built in 1735 during the reign of Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah. It also served as an Eidgah, where Multan’s residents gathered for Eid prayers. Its construction date and historic use add social and religious context to its architectural details. The prayer hall can therefore be understood not only through its size and decoration, but also through its role in the lives of residents at the time.

Handicrafts and Distinctive Spatial Experiences

Nigar Khana showcases handicrafts from Multan, including turquoise pottery, camel-skin lamps, mosaic glass, carved wood, and bone jewellery. The selection ranges from pottery and glass to wood and jewellery materials. This offers a different focus for planning your trip than the fort complexes: here, the emphasis is on the variety of craft forms. If art and design are of particular interest to you, you can explore this theme alongside the historic buildings rather than focusing your trip on just one type of attraction.

Another distinctive spatial experience can be found in a vaulted, cruciform chamber. Visitors descend a steep staircase about 20 feet (around 6 m). Light enters only through the north entrance and three small domed windows. The chamber’s shape, the descent, and the limited sources of light together give a precise sense of its space. This is a different architectural experience from the spacious prayer hall of Shahi Eid Gah Mosque: there, the focus is on its dimensions and seven domes; here, on the cruciform chamber and its openings for light.

A Historical Perspective on Multan District

Another historical reference within the wider travel destination of Multan District is Shujabad: the town was founded in 1750. This expands the view beyond Multan without equating Shujabad’s history with the city’s buildings. You can consider both perspectives side by side: Multan’s forts, mosque, and handicrafts on one hand, and Shujabad’s founding history on the other.

When choosing a holiday rental in Multan, you can consider which of these themes interests you most. Architecture enthusiasts will find specific details at Shahi Eid Gah Mosque and in the chamber; those interested in historic functions can explore Damdama and the history of Multan Fort. Handicrafts offer another focus. These interests can help you organise your trip and find suitable accommodation in Multan, without combining the different sites and themes into a single route.

For the broader travel overview: Multan District.