Charminar is one of the most important landmarks in the city; Standing majestically in the midst of the congestion and cacophony of the 400 year old city, arched elegantly; a masterpiece of Qutb Shah architecture similar to that used in Jami Masjid, the Mecca Masjid, and Toli Masjid. An imposing square structure with its four minarets piercing the sky, the Charminar is the symbol of this historic city. The monument was built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 (the fifth sultan of the Qutb Shah dynasty of Golconda (1512-1687)), to commemorate the eradication of plague, shortly after he had shifted his capital from Golconda (Hyderabad today), he ordered the construction of this gate which contains a small mosque that became popular as Charminar because of its four characteristic minarets.

The Charminar is a beautiful and impressive square monument, with each side measuring 20 meters, and each of the edges having a pointed high minaret. It derives its name from these four gracefully carved minarets which soar to a height of approx. 55 meters above the ground, commanding the landscape for miles around. Each minaret has four storey's, each looking like a delicately carved ring around the minaret. Every side opens into a plaza through giant arches, which overlook four major thoroughfares and dwarf other features of the building except the minarets. Each arch is 11 meters wide and rises 20 meters to the pinnacle from the plinth.

Unlike Taj Mahal, the fluted minarets of Charminar are built into the main structure. Inside the four-story's minarets 149 winding steps guide the visitor to the upper floor, the highest point one can reach, and providing a panoramic view of the city. Built with local granite and lime mortar, it's said that Charminar is a prototype of Tazia, a representation of the tomb of Imam Husain. It is also said that during the Mughals Governorship between the Qutb Shah and the Asaf Jahi rule, lightning destroyed the South Western minaret and was repaired, then plastered in 1824. The top floor of the four story's structure contains the small mosque with 45 covered prayer spaces and some open space to accommodate more people in Friday prayers.

There are two galleries within the Charminar, one over another, and above those a terrace that serves as a roof, bordered with a stone balcony. It is vaulted underneath and appears like a dome. There is a large table raised seven or eight feet from the ground with steps leading to it. In its glory days, the Charminar market had some 14,000 shops, a unique conglomeration of a grand oriental bazaar. Today, you'll find colorful bazaars, bringing to mind the bazaars of ancient Baghdad and Istanbul, selling pearls, bangles, traditional Muslim gear and delicacies.