Bijapur Fort

Bijapur Fort, also known as Vijayapura Fort, is a historic fortress located in Vijayapura (Bijapur), Karnataka, built by Yusuf Adil Shah in 1566 during the rule of the Adil Shahi dynasty. The fort covers a vast area with walls extending about 10 kilometers and is fortified with 96 massive bastions and 5 decorated main gates named Makkah, Bahmani, Shahapur, Fateh, and Allahpur gates.

Inside the fort, there are several notable structures such as the Gagan Mahal, Jama Masjid, Faroukh Mahal, and the Arkilla, showcasing a blend of Persian, Turkish, and local architectural styles. Renowned for its impressive architecture, the fort was a center of power and military might, housing over a thousand cannons and a large garrison during its peak. The fort complex is also famous for monuments like the Gol Gumbaz, which has one of the largest domes in the world, and Ibrahim Rauza, the mausoleum of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II.

Today, Bijapur Fort remains a significant tourist attraction symbolizing the grandeur of the Adil Shahi dynasty and the rich cultural heritage of the Deccan region. Visitors can marvel at its historic palaces, mosques, and fortifications that stand as a testament to the fort's strategic importance and architectural brilliance.