Kala Burj

 This octagonal tower called Kala Burj or Black Pavilion was a historical watchtower that was also used as a summer pavilion. This imposing structure is located in the northwest corner of the Khilwat Khana and dated back to the era of Emperor Jahangir. There existed European-influenced Mughal ceiling paintings depicting angels and other virtuoso themes for which this pavilion was famously known for.

This pavilion is quite similar to Lal Burj in certain aspects. There are some additions of Sikh and British period in this building. Mughal rulers commissioned the decoration of this place with floral paintings (murals and frescoes) which were later on covered with cement and plaster by the successive managements. It was used as a liquor bar in later period. The eave of this Burj is constructed in the interlocked brick work to make it stand without any reinforcement.

 To consolidate the structure of Kala Burj and to restore its fresco work, the Walled City of Lahore (WCLA) took up its responsibility and completed a comprehensive conservation project in 2021.