Charminar || The Arc de triumph of the East
Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad, built Charminar in 1591. It is believed to have been built as a charm to ward off a deadly epidemic raging at that time. Four graceful minarets soar to a height of 48.7m. Charminar has 45 prayer spaces and a mosque in it. The remaining part of the roof served as a court during the Qutub Shahi times. The Charminar is a major landmark of the city of Nawabs, Hyderabad. It is known for its unique and brilliant architecture. This architectural grandeur is situated in the heart of the city. Also called "The Arc de triumph of the East", Charminar derived its name from the four elaborately carved minarets. Each of these four outstanding minarets or minars have a soaring height of 48.7m, above the ground. The Charminar is surrounded by the bustling shops of Lad Bazaar, that provides a glance into the old city. This 400 hundred years old monument holds an important place on the must visit list of any tourist coming to Hyderabad.