Charminar

Charminar is an iconic monument that is synonymous with Hyderabad's heritage and culture. It is a gateway with four minarets, which give it its name (Char Minar translates into English as Four Minarets). It was designed to serve as a Mosque and as a madrasa. It was constructed in 1591 by Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah to mark the end of a deadly plague. The construction began in 1589 and was completed in two years at a cost of Rs. 9 lakhs.

The Charminar is situated on the east bank of Musi River, with the Laad Bazaar to its west, and the richly ornamented Makkah Masjid to its southwest. It was designed by the Iranian architect, Mir Momin Astrawadi.

The four clocks which adorn the face of the four arches were added in 1889.

The Charminar was constructed at the intersection of the historical trade route that connects the city to international markets through the port city of Machilipatnam.