Five historical sites in Karachi you should know about

Revisiting forgotten places that adorn the city streets

Karachi, the city of the present chaos, hides in its arteries landmarks that hold fragments of the city’s past. They stand as reminders of its layered history. From colonial relics to architectural marvels, The Lifestyle Desk brings to you five historical sites every Karachiite should know about.

TDF Ghar

Located near M. A. Jinnah Road, TDF Ghar is a restored colonial-era residence that now serves as a cultural and community space. Once a private home, the house has been carefully preserved to retain its original wooden interiors. Today, it operates under The Dawood Foundation as a hub for exhibitions, talks, and heritage tours. Its rooftop, with sweeping views of Quaid-e-Azam’s Mazaar, has also become a popular gathering spot for students, artists, and families.

Tooba Masjid

Situated in DHA Phase 2, Tooba Masjid, often referred to as Gol Masjid, is renowned for its massive white marble dome. Built in 1969, the mosque’s modernist design reflects a blend of simplicity and grandeur, with its acoustics allowing sermons to be heard without microphones. Today, it remains an active site of worship, hosting daily prayers and Friday congregations, while also being a striking landmark for visitors.

Chaukhandi Tombs

On the outskirts of Karachi, along the National Highway, lie the Chaukhandi Tombs, an ancient necropolis dating back to the Mughal period. Recognised for their intricately carved sandstone graves, these tombs are believed to belong to the Jokhio and Baloch tribes of Sindh. Despite years of neglect and exposure to the elements, the site still attracts historians, architects, and curious travelers fascinated by its geometric carvings and motifs. In recent years, conservation efforts have attempted to protect the tombs, though challenges remain.

Merewether Clock Tower

Standing at the intersection of M. A. Jinnah Road and I. I. Chundrigar Road, the Merewether Clock Tower was built in 1892 to commemorate Sir William Merewether, a British Commissioner of Sindh. Constructed in Gothic Revival style with Gizri sandstone, the tower was once a marker for the city’s colonial downtown. Though traffic and commercial sprawl now dominate the area, the clock tower still functions and serves as a symbolic reference point in the heart of Karachi. Restoration projects have kept it standing tall, despite being surrounded by Karachi’s chaos.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Located in Saddar, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Karachi, completed in 1881. Built in Gothic Revival style, the cathedral features soaring arches, stained-glass windows, and a peaceful courtyard. It remains an active seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Karachi, hosting Sunday mass, weddings, and other religious services. Beyond its religious role, the cathedral also stands as a cultural landmark, drawing visitors who marvel at its architecture.