Agra Fort or Red Fort of Agra is situated in the heart of the city, 2 kms to the north-west of the Taj Mahal. The fort was built on the ruins of the fort of the Rajputs and the Suris. Construction of this massive fort was started by Akbar in 1565 and additions were made right through the time of his grandson, Shah Jahan. In the time of Akbar Agra Fort was principally a military structure, by the time of Shah Jahan the fort became partially a palace.

The fort offered sturdy resistance to the attack of enemy, being fortified on three sides by 20 metres high wall which stretch for 2.5 kms. The fourth side of the fort wall is guarded by the river Yamuna. Outside the fort wall is a 10 metre wide moat beyond which there is another 20 metre high wall. There are three entrances to the fort but the Amar Singh Gate on the south is only open to visitors. The fort replete with the memories of three Mughal Emperors - Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. Agra Fort houses a number of magnificent buildings like Moti Masjid, Jehangir's Palace, Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Khaas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Musamman Burj or the Octagonal Tower.

Diwan-I-Am
Diwan-I-Am or the 'Hall of Public Audiences' was built by Shah Jahan during 1627-1634 A.D by replacing an earlier wooden structure. The predecessor of Shah Jahan also had a hand in the construction of this hall. The hall has a red sandstone floor, latticed white marble walls, a red-stone ceiling and beautiful arches. Diwan-I-Am is the place where Shah Jahan used to seat to meet officials of listen to petitioners. In addition there is small Nagina Masjid (Gem mosque) and the ladies bazaar.

Diwan-I-Khaas
Diwan-I-Khaas or the 'Hall of Private Audiences' was also built by Shah Jahan in 1636-37. This is the place where the emperor used to meet the important people and foreign ambassadors. Diwan-I-Khaas comprises two beautifully decorated rooms, connected by three arches. The Jahrokha and the floral decorations of the hall are beautifully executed. The world famous Peacock Throne was kept here and it accompanied Shah Jahan when he left Agra for Delhi.

Moti Masjid
The Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque was built by emperor Shah Jahan between 1646 and 1653. The white marble structure is an excellent piece of Mughal architecture. The Moti Masjid is considered to be perfectly proportioned and a Persian inscription inside the mosque compares it to a precious pearl. The mosque has three-dome and it is surrounded by arcaded cloisters. A marble tank stands in the centre of the mosque. A narrow stairway leading to the top, provides an excellent view of the Fort.

Jehangir's Palace
Jehangir's Palace is the largest palace inside the fort. Akbar had built this palace for his son Jehangir in 1570. The palace is a blend of the Hindu and the Central Asian styles of architecture - a contrast to the unique Mughal style. Jehangir's Palace is one of the earliest constructions within the fort and it still survives. Nearby is the rose-water bath tub of Noor Jehan built in 1611.

Musamman Burj
The Musamman Burj or the Octagonal Tower is located close to the Diwan-I-Khaas. The tower was built by emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The mosaic and lattice work provide extraordinary beauty to this ornamented tower.

Shah Jahan spent last eight years of his life as a prisoner of his son Aurangzeb. It is said that Shah Jahan passed his life by gazing at an image of the Taj Mahal reflected in the mirror.

Sheesh Mahal
The Sheesh Mahal or the 'Mirror Palace' was supposed to have been the bathing room of the queens. Built in Turkish style the walls of the palace are inlaid with tiny mirrors. The walls and the ceiling beset with mirrors in such a way that light of a single lamp lit in the room would be magnified a thousandfold.

Khaas MahalThe Khaas Mahal is a beautiful white marble structure, which was used as a private palace by Shah Jahan.

Anguri Bagh
The Anguri Garden or the 'Grape Garden' is a small, formal Mughal garden. It is located in front of the Khaas Mahal.