Charminar (lit. 'four minars' or 'four towers'), the central landmark of Hyderabad, is a grand  architectural composition in Indo-Arabic style with open arches. It is regarded as the supreme achievement of the Qutb Shahi period.
Built in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, it forms the centerpiece around which Hyderabad was originally planned with Charminar's four gates opening out in four cardinal directions. Legend has it that this landmark was built, as a talisman, away from Golconda, the then base of the Quli Qutbs, to ward off the series of epidemics of plague and cholera.
Each of the four ‘minars’ tower around 50 metres. Charminar also boasts of a small mosque within its structure.
The charkaman (four gates) is the heart of the Old City, where one will find Charminar and Laad bazaar. All around the Charminar one will find the bustling bazaar of pearl, jewelry and attar traders.
 The adjacent Laad bazaar boasts of hectic trading in bangles made of lacquer and glass, henna, cosmetics, trinkets and other bridal accessories.
Another interesting venue southwest of the Charminar is the Chawmohalla Palace.
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