Holiday in Multan

About Multan

Multan is one of the oldest cities in South Asia and is revered as the City of Saints. Located in southern Punjab, Pakistan, Multan has a history spanning over 5,000 years — Alexander the Great conquered the city in 326 BC. Today, Multan is a significant center of Sufism with magnificent shrines and mausoleums that attract pilgrims from the entire Islamic world. The mausoleum of Shah Rukn-e-Alam from the 14th century is the city's landmark: a massive octagonal tomb with a turquoise dome and intricate tile work, considered a masterpiece of Tughluq architecture. Nearby is the shrine of Bahauddin Zakariya, founder of the Suhrawardi Sufi order. Multan Fort (Qila Kohna Qasim Bagh) sits atop a hill in the city center and offers a panoramic view of the old town. Although the fort has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, the remaining structures are impressive. Multan is famous for its handicrafts: the blue and white pottery with Persian and Central Asian motifs, handwoven carpets, and the characteristic camel leather shoes (Khussas) are sought-after souvenirs. The bazaars of the old town, especially the Hussain Agahi Bazaar, offer an authentic shopping experience. The climate is extreme: in summer, temperatures rise above 45 °C, which is why Multan is also known as the city of heat. The best time to visit is the mild winter from November to February.