Imambara

Asafi Imambara or Bara (Big) Imambara was made by the Delhi architect Kifayat Ullah.
The architecture of Bara Imambara is inspired from the ornamented Mughal design, named the Badshahi Mosque. This is one of the last projects not incorporating the use of irons or any European elements. The central hall of the Imambara is said to be the largest arched hall in the world. What makes its construction unique is that no woodwork has been used in the entire structure (except the galleries). The blocks have been put together with the interlocking system of bricks, and the roof stands upright without any pillars to support it.

The Bara Imambara can be accessed through two large gateways, at one end of which lies the grand Asafi Mosque, on the other side is the large baori. Beyond the small entrance, to the left of the central hall, lies the intriguing labyrinth leading to the Bhul Bhulaiya, an enticing network of narrow passageways winding its way inside the upper floor of the monument’s structure. There are eight surrounding chambers built to different roof heights, permitting the space above these to be reconstructed as a three-dimensional labyrinth with passages interconnecting with each other through 489 identical doorways.
Chhota Imambara
The Chhota Imambara, or the Imambara of Hussainabad, was initially a congregation hall for Shia Muslims that was built by Muhammad Ali Shah, who was the third Nawab of Awadh, in 1838.
It is a beautiful amalgam of Charbagh, Indo-Islamic and Persian structural and architectural designs. The exterior is complete with Quranic verses which are written in Islamic calligraphy on the walls of the monument. It is an amalgamation of the elements of Persian and Indo-Islamic styles of architecture.
The Imambara is a 19th-century building is also referred to as the ‘Palace of Lights’. The interiors decorated with delicate Arabic glass work and calligraphy. Ornately designed with a gilded golden dome, chandeliers from Belgium, colourful stuccos and gilt-edged mirrors.