Red Fort, Delhi

A bit of history first:

"The Red Fort  is a 17th century fort complex constructed by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan in the walled city of Old Delhi (in present day Delhi, India) that served as the residence of the Mughal Emperors.  It served as the capital of the Mughals until 1857, when Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled by the British Indian government.

The fort lies along the Yamuna River, which fed the moats that surround most of the walls. The construction of the Red Fort began in 1638 and was completed by 1648.  It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007."

So far for the Wikipedia text. 

The Red Fort of Delhi is huge and impressive, with lots of buildings inside the complex and a very interesting history. We really enjoyed walking around at these premises. If you take into account what is known about what the fort and it's decor looked like in the old days, then you can imagine how breathtakingly rich and beautiful it must have been during the Mughal period!

Decorated with materials like copper, gold and silver for ceilings and domes, and gems and marble for walls, unfortunately all stolen by conquerers.

The detailing of the ornamentation is enormous and beautiful.

Fantastic architecture with all the pillars and arches.

Sometimes glimpses of the rich decorations that once were, are to be seen.

In the old days, the colors were more vibrant and the silver, gold and gems sparkled in the sunlight and candlelight.

Only small parts with faded colors have remained, so one has to use his imagination to visualize the beauty that it had in its glory days.

Piedra Dura, a very special technique in which different types and colors of stone and marble are inlaid in marble.

Shorts next to a skirt.

 I turned out to be quite an attraction myself, as I am -sort of- used to by now...hahaha.

"Can I take a picture with you and me?"

The Red Fort lies in Old Delhi, so tomorrow I take you on our stroll through this very old and hectic part of town.