Rumi Darwaza, Lucknow - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 5 km from Lucknow Junction, Rumi Darwaza is an imposing gateway located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Also known as Turkish Gate, it is one of the famous places of heritage that one must visit as part of Lucknow packages.

Rumi Darwaza was built by Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula in 1784 to employ people in the region during the 11-year famine. The Rumi Darwaza is also referred to as Turkish Gate as it was modeled after the Bab-i-Humayun gateway in Constantinople, present-day Istanbul, Turkey. Rumi refers to Rome, the historical name used by the Islamic world to denote the region roughly corresponding to Anatolia, or the dominion of the former Eastern Roman Empire. It used to mark the entrance to Old Lucknow City, but as the City of Nawabs grew and expanded, it was later used as an entrance to a palace which was later demolished by the British Raj following the Indian Mutiny. Lies between the Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara, it has now become a logo for the city of Lucknow.

The striking gateway of Rumi Darwaza that stands tall at 60 feet is exhibiting ancient Awadhi architecture. Unlike red stone used by the Mughals, the Nawabs of Lucknow used limestone, which was much easy for carving intricately detailed designs than hard stone. The uppermost part of the structure is topped with a chhatri (umbrella) which can be reached through a staircase (although it's not open to visitors at present). So it can be assumed that this was either used for vigilance, or to light up the gate with a big lantern at night, which is the more popular history. It has four minarets at four corners, and it stretches out on both sides taking up almost the shape of a building rather than a gate. The whole structure of the massive door is decked with ornate patterns of flowers and leaves and other detailed designs that speak explicitly of the great craftsmanship of that time.

Rumi Darwaza in the heart of Lucknow looms over the busy everyday traffic of Lajpatnagar like an old guardian angel that has seen the city rise and fall. Through the arch of the Rumi Darwaza runs roadways to both sides and they remain busy and crowded all day long. The rush of vehicles and the brunt of time have weakened it, but it still stands ever strong and majestic, looking even more resplendent when lit up at night.

Timings: 24 Hours

Entry: Free