No one knows how old Lahore is. But according to a Hindu historian Sujan Rai Lahore derives its name from Loh or Lava, the son of legendary Raja Ram Chandra. The consensus among the historians is that Lahore certainly pre-dates by several centuries the conquest of the region by Mehmud of Ghazna in the early years of the 11^th century, but it is not certain by how long.

It’s said that there was once a mud wall around the city to save the city from invaders. Which in the later period replaced the baked-brick wall by Akbar who fortified the whole inhabited city with a nine-meter high brick wall pierced by thirteen gates. These gates still bear their original names but only one has its original structure named Roshnai Gate. Walled City of Lahore is known for its rich heritage and culture and no doubt that it has been an adored seat of power and the heart of many writers, painters, and poets. The walled city of Lahore was once the hub of all the laureates and nobles and one can imagine the grandeur of this city at that time while roaming around in its narrow winding twisting streets.  Passing by the antique streets of this city, clustered with people and houses, huge mansions and heritage houses can be seen.

The walled city of Lahore is not just about the buildings, architecture, monuments, and traditional lifestyles. It is also the biggest wholesale and retail marketplace in Asia. In the total area of 2.6 sq km, imagine how much diversity you have to see. The thirteen gates hold within themselves the world-class monuments and Asia’s biggest wholesale markets. Each gate has a market of its kind and if you wish to roam around all the markets you cannot make it in a day.