Architecture is one of the major attractions for any city. Especially in a country like India, with a variety of cultures and heritage. Many states hold an essential touch of history and culture
In a country that showcases the values of vintage detailing in the form of architecture.
When it comes to talking about culture and heritage, there isn’t a better place than Lucknow in our country. The city still has the potential to take you back in time. There are several architectures that aren’t just mere buildings but also tell you a story.
Historical buildings are often beautiful and cultural, but don’t you think a city should also keep pace with modernity and technology? Well, Lucknow has achieved that too. The city is the home to a number of skyscrapers, serving multiple purposes. In order to know more about the architecture of Lucknow, be with us.
Tallest Buildings In Lucknow
Lucknow is not just the capital city of the state of Uttar Pradesh but also the heart of the state. The city has not only consistently preserved culture and heritage but also kept pace with modernity and advancement. There are many archaeological structures in the city that show the intricacy and detailing of the past.
These buildings were either built in the Mughal or the colonial era. These buildings often become great spots for tourists and contribute to the culture of Lucknow. On the other hand, Lucknow also has some modern masterpieces that are generally used for commercial and household purposes. Here’s some detailed information about the architectural realm of Lucknow.
Husainabad Clock Tower
The Husainabad Clock Tower is the tallest historical building in Lucknow. It was built in the year 1881 by the Huisainabad trust. This tower marks the arrival of Sir George Couper in Lucknow(formerly known as Awadh). He was the first lieutenant governor of the United Provinces of Awadh.
The tower was designed by a visionary architect, Richard Roskelli Bayne, who combined Victorian Gothic and Mughal motifs while designing the tower.
This historical masterpiece is about 67ft(221 m) tall and also has a clock, as the name suggests. The diameter of this clock is 13 ft and also resembles a golden 12-petalled flower, and a pendulum which is around 14 ft in length. Both of these elements were imported from London.
Rumi Darwaza
The Rumi Darwaza is one of the most popular historical landmarks of Lucknow. It was also the entrance to the city back in medieval times. The gate is 60ft tall and was constructed during the reign of Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula in 1784-86.
Just like most architectural sites, the Rumi Darwaza is also a detailed work of art made out of thin burnt clay and limestone brick aggregate mortar, also known as Lakhori and Surkhi.
The Rumi Darwaza is one of the most prominent examples of Mughal architecture.
You can observe the intricacies of both Mughal and Turkish styles in the building. It not only adds to the culture and heritage of Lucknow but also depicts the values and vision of the nawabi era.
Bara Imambara
The Bara Imambara is another architectural masterpiece from the Mughal Era. The monument has a unique design and carries detailed craftsmanship from the nawabi era. It was built in the same year as Rumi Darwaza in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula.
The monument is not only a spot for tourist attraction but also has an adventurous element to it. There is a maze located on the upper floor of the monument, also known as Bhool Bhulaiya locally. It is popularly believed that there are around 1024 ways to enter the maze, but only two in order to exist.
The Bara Imambara plays a significant role during the time of the holy festival of Muharram. During Muharram, it becomes an important centre for offering prayers. The Imambara is 49 ft tall and is also regarded as the second largest Imambara after Nizmat Imambara.
Shalimar Titanium
The Shalimar Titanium is a residential building in Lucknow. It is 272 feet tall and took 5 years to be constructed. The construction was completed in the year 2016. It is not only one of the tallest buildings in Lucknow but also luxurious. The Shalimar Titanium is located in Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar, with 20 floors.
There are a number of amenities offered by this residential building, such as a multi-level parking system with a capacity of parking 200 cars, large garden areas, swimming pools, a fitness centre, indoor games, and a large community hall for gatherings.
The building is luxurious and convenient as it is located in Gomti Nagar, which is also regarded as one of the most elite areas in Lucknow. Residents can easily access day-to-day facilities here.
CG City Tower
The CG City Tower is 262 ft tall and has 19 floors. It was constructed in 2018, and the construction took 3 and a half years. The CG City Tower is a multi-purpose building constructed in Shaheed Path, Gomti Nagar, adding to the luxury of the area.
If you’re thinking this is a regular architectural building with a basic design, you are mistaken. The design of this building is unique as it is not exactly a rectangle like most buildings. The building appears to be of a different shape from different angles.
Adding to the features of this tower, it is multi-purpose in nature. The lower floors are dedicated to retail spaces and restaurants, the middle floors have offices, and the upper floors are made a place for temporary residence for business travelers.
The designers of this building have kept eco-friendliness in mind, and because of that, the building also has a green building certificate.
Sahara Mall and Residency
The Sahara Mall and Residency is 250 ft tall and has 18 floors. The designers of this tower deserve a raise for their careful planning in a congested marketplace like Hazratganj. The tower is located in Husaria Square, Hazratganj. Sahara Mall and Residency was a visionary project completed in 2014.
Like the CG City Tower, the Sahara Mall, and the Residency is also a building serving multiple purposes. It has a shopping mall consisting of both international and local brands, making it a spot for both local convenience and tourist attractions.
It also serves as a space for corporate offices and residential purposes. This building is an architectural milestone as it is multi-purpose in nature and also offers great convenience to people searching for a residential building. The location of this tower adds to the feature, as Hazratganj is known for its market and other facilities.
Summit Tower
The Summit Tower is 245 ft tall and has 18 floors. This project was completed in 2017 in Kapoorthala, Aliganj. This building is dedicated to a professional space as it serves as the corporate headquarters for several major companies based in Lucknow.
The tower offers a number of facilities, such as high-speed elevators, a two-story lobby designed with contemporary art. Also, there are floor-to-ceiling windows allowing abundant natural light to enter. This space is also great for corporate events and other professional purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tallest historical building in Lucknow?
The Husainabad Clock Tower is the tallest building in Lucknow. It is 67 ft tall. The tower holds the essence of the cultural influences in the city.
What are some residential buildings of Lucknow?
The Shalimar Titanium, Sahara Mall, and Residency are popular areas of residence in Lucknow. The Prestigia Tower is also under construction and will likely support residential purposes in Gomti Nagar.
What is the bhool bhulaiya in Bara Imambara?
There is a maze located on the upper floors of the Bara Imambara. This maze attracts a lot of people and makes Bara Imambara a great place for a tourist attraction.
How is Lucknow’s architecture?
The architecture in Lucknow is a beautiful blend of history and modernity. You can see both historical and modern touches in the architecture of Lucknow. There is a space for both detailed and ancient craftsmanship, showing cultural and modern architecture serving professional as well as residential purposes.
Conclusion
The architecture in Lucknow is one of the features of the city that makes it elegant.
You can find a variety of architectural sites in Lucknow. From historical buildings being the centres of attraction amongst tourists to modern skyscrapers facilitating locals.
There are many historical buildings in the city, such as Husainabad Clock Tower, Rumi Darwaza, Chhota Imambara, and Bara Imambara. These buildings aren’t just landmarks but show great influences of the past.
Lucknow is famous for its traditional architecture and cultural influences, but that does not mean the city lacks modernity. There are many spaces dedicated to modern architecture and buildings that have multiple purposes in nature. From traditional architecture to sleek modern architecture, Lucknow has mastered it all.