Near the gardens of Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-century Moghul monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565, under Akbar, and continued till the time of his grandson, Shahjahan, when it changed from a principally military structure to a more luxurious palace. This red sandstone fortress encompasses the imperial city of the Mughal rulers, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls. Armed with massive double walls, punctuated by four gateways, the fort houses palaces, courts, mosques, baths, gardens and gracious pavilions within its premises. This fort blends the Hindu and central Asian architectural styles very beautifully. Thus, being an excellent example of Moghul architecture, the Agra Fort is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

Among the fascinating structures that are to be found within the fort is the Moti Masjid, which is a white marble mosque similar to a perfect pearl. Then, there is also the red sandstone Jehangiri Mahal built by Akbar for his Hindu queen, Jodhabai. The Diwan - i - Am, the Diwan - i - Khas, Khas Mahal, the Palace of Mirrors, the Pearl mosque, the Nagina Masjid, the Garden of Grapes, the Fish Pavilion and the Musamman Burj - where Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan died in 1666 A.D., are the other monuments in the fort complex.

The construction of the Agra fort started in 1565, when the initial structures were built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar and subsequently taken over by his grandson Shah Jahan. Later on, he added most of the marble creations to the fort. The layout of the fort was determined by the course of the river, which flowed alongside in those days. The main axis is parallel to the river and the walls bridge out towards the city. The fort is crescent shaped, flattened on the east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. Double castellated ramparts of red sandstone, punctuated at regular intervals by bastions, ring it. A 9m wide and 10m deep moat surrounds the outer wall. An imposing 22m high inner wall imparts a feeling of invincible defensive construction.

The fort originally had four gates, two of which, were later walled up. Today, visitors are allowed entry only through the Amar Singh gate. The Jehangir Mahal is the first notable building that is visible to the visitors, as they enter through the Amar Singh gate. Akbar built Jehangir Mahal as the women`s quarters. It is built of stone and is simply decorated on the exterior. Ornamental Persian verses have been carved on a large stone bowl, which were probably used to contain fragrant rose water.

Shah Jahan has built the Khass Mahal, which is made entirely of marble. It demonstrates distinctive Islamic-Persian features. These are well blended with a striking range of Hindu features such as "Chhatris". It was supposed to be the emperor`s sleeping room or `Aramgah`. The Khaas Mahal provides the most successful example of painting on a white marble surface.

On the left of the Khaas Mahal, is the Musamman Burj, built by Shah Jahan. It is a beautiful octagonal tower with an open pavillion. It boasts of its openness, elevation and cool evening breezes. This is where Shah Jahan lay on his deathbed, gazing at the Taj.

Sheesh Mahal or the Glass Palace is the finest example of decorative water engineering in the hamams. It is believed to have been the harem or the dressing room and its walls are inlaid with tiny mirrors. These are the best specimens of the glass-mosaic decoration in India.

To the right of Sheesh Mahal is the Diwan-I-Khaas, the hall of Private Audience. The marble pillars are inlaid with semi-precious stones in delightful floral patterns.

The Diwan-E-Am used to house the famous Peacock Throne, which was taken to the Red Fort when Shah Jahan moved his capital to Delhi. The throne alcove is of richly decorated white marble.

Nagina Masjid, built by Shah Jahan, was the private mosque of the ladies of the court.

Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque is the prettiest structure at Agra Fort. The building is presently closed for visitors.

Near Moti Masjid is Mina Masjid, which seems to have been constructed by Shah Jahan strictly for his private use.