⚔🏰 ✨Lahore Fort’s Secret Underground Maze Unveiled – Hidden Mughal Chambers Open for First Time
History came alive in Lahore as a long-hidden treasure beneath the Lahore Fort was finally unveiled. The Khilwat Khana Subterranean Chambers, a mysterious underground maze of 33 interlinked rooms, passages, and stairways, has officially opened its doors after centuries of secrecy.
This grand inauguration marked the completion of a major conservation phase under the Heritage and Urban Regeneration (HURL) Project, spearheaded by the Aga Khan Cultural Service–Pakistan in partnership with the Walled City of Lahore Authority, with support from the French Development Agency and the Punjab government.
Guests witnessed a ribbon-cutting ceremony, unveiling of a commemorative plaque, and a guided tour through the dimly lit chambers. Special lighting highlighted the ancient stonework, while sounds of flowing water and echoes recreated the Mughal-era ambience.
Once used for storage, ventilation, and even imprisonment during the Mughal rule, the subterranean chambers also played a vital role in reinforcing the Fort’s foundations against the raging currents of the River Ravi.
The inauguration was followed by speeches at the Fort’s Arz Gah, where the French ambassador, AFD’s country director, WCLA’s DG, and AKCS-P’s CEO emphasized the importance of heritage preservation. A short film showcased the training of young artisans in conservation, linking the past with the future.
French Ambassador Nicolas Galey praised the project as a source of pride, while AFD’s Marc-Antoine Leclercq called it “a long-term cultural investment.” WCLA DG Maleeha Rashid hailed the joint efforts of artisans, experts, and institutions that brought this Mughal masterpiece back to life.
Later this year, the chambers will open for the public, offering visitors a once-in-a-lifetime chance to step into Lahore’s hidden Mughal past.
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