Shaniwar Wada is a majestic fort built in 1730 by Peshwa Balaji Rao as his residence. It look two years to complete the massive building. The fort is an architectural marvel and showcases the artistic brilliance of the Marathas. The architecture of the palace is also influenced by the Mughal style. Shaniwar Wada encircles fountains, courtyards, blooming gardens, offices, audience halls and residential quarters. In 1827, a massive fire broke inside the fort and engulfed the entire building. The fire went on for 15 days and had hit the fort irreparably. The fort turned defaced and its artifacts were destroyed. The only part of the fort that withstood the mar of fire was its 21 feet tall and huge gate, called Dilli Darwaza with its outer stonewalls, bastions and small gates (Mastani or Alibahadur Darwaja, Khidki Darwaja, Ganesh Darwaja and Narayan Darwaja). Despite of the contortion, the fort still is one of the best and most visited tourist spots in Pune.

The fort also houses a city center. The walls of the center are painted with the pictures and paintings depicting scenes from the epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Although this artistic trove also got affected by the fire, but it still proudly exudes the charm and brilliance of its era. The fort is open for public everyday between 8 am to 6.30 pm.

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