The famed Charminar is a majestic edifice standing at the heart
of the old walled city of Hyderabad, this hooch triumphal arch, which has become the city symbol, was built by Mohd. Quli Qutub Shah in 1591 supposedly to commemorate the eradication of plague from Hyderabad. With its 56 Metre tall slender minarets with spiral stair cases and huge arches on each side , the structure is built with carefully finished stucco ornamentation and is plastered with line mortar. On the top most floor is space for a mask. Around the Charminar is a bazaar where some of the best bargains can be struck in goods forms silk, Metal work, pearls and Bangles to rare Urdu books and manuscripts. A special market is held on Thursdays. The structure is illuminated every evening.