Shaniwar Wada was the seat of the Peshwas, the chief ministers who ran the Maratha state from Pune. Bajirao I laid its foundation in 1730 and moved in on completion in 1732, and it remained the centre of Maratha power until the British took Pune in 1818. A fire in 1828 destroyed the palace buildings, so what you see today are the fortification walls with their bastions, five gateways and the stone foundations of the halls, courtyards and fountains inside. The main Delhi Darwaza still has its huge teak doors studded with iron spikes to stop elephants from ramming them. Allow an hour to walk the walls and the gardens. An evening light and sound show on the Peshwa story has run here, but it runs irregularly, so check locally before planning around it. Lal Mahal, Kasba Ganpati and Dagdusheth Ganpati are all within a short walk.
- Address: 480, Shaniwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411011
- Hours: Open daily in daylight hours. Entry with an ASI ticket, sold online and at the counter; carry original photo ID. The evening light and sound show runs irregularly; check locally.
- How to Reach: In Shaniwar Peth in the old city. Kasba Peth (Budhwar Peth) station on Metro Line 1 is about a 5 minute walk; buses stop at Shaniwar Wada.
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