Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, started construction of the massive red fort in 1638 and work was completed on the 13th May, 1648 (10 years). The Red Fort was originally referred to as "Qila-i-Mubarak" (the blessed fort), because it was the residence of the royal family. The layout of the Red Fort was organised to retain and integrate this site with the Salimgarh Fort. Read more
Red Fort declared world treasure The wait has been worth the while. After trying for more than a decade, the Red Fort has finally made it to the exclusive list of UNESCO's world heritage sites, a status which it rightfully deserves. World Heritage sites can apply for financial and technical assistance conservation. They are also a status symbol.
Near the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques.