Pune has many historical places that have really interesting stories and fabulous architecture. When you talk about Pune’s historical buildings the first name comes in your mind is Shaniwar Wada. It is a timeless masterpiece in which you can see the influence of Moghul design and Maratha’s craftsmanship. It tells you it’s moments of glory and eventful existence even though it is a ruin today but don’t think it is dead. It still breathes. It is situated in Kasba Peth, the heart of the city. Because the foundation was laid on Saturday (in Marathi Saturday is called Shaniwar) it is called Shaniwar Wada.It was believed that the construction of Shaniwar Wada started on Saturday 10th January 1730 when Bajirao Peshava-1 collected a handful of mud from nearby Lal Mahal and laid the foundation. The work completed finally on 22nd January 1732 with a cost of sixteen thousand one hundred and ten (16110) rupees, a princely sum of money in that time. It is built using teaks from Junnar jungles, stones from the quarries of chincawad, lime from the lime belt of Jejuri.Seven Peshavas lived here in the passage of time and each one has moulded and remoulded the place as per their choices. Finally it came out to be a five storied structure and an architectural marvel until the sudden and unexplained fire flames turned it into dust. On February 27, 1828 a great fire started inside the palace that assaulted the splendid structure. Only the remaining part can be seen today like walls with five gateways and nine bastions that enclosed the entire palace. The main gate is called Delhi Darvaja (Delhi gate) and the other gates are called Mastani gate/Alibahadur Darvaja, Khidki Darvaja, Ganesh Darvaja, Narayan Darvaja.The walls of the palace are painted with the scenes of Ramayana and Mahabharata. A sixteen petal lotus fountain shows the beautiful work of that time. This splendid historical structure of Maratha Empire is now maintained by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).It is one of the favourite tourist attractions. The ruins of the fort tells the story of history and it is believed that a ghost of Narayan Rao Peshava who was murdered here has been seen sometimes shouting “kaka mala vachava” (save me uncle). You need to experience it. In the year 2008 the fort is featured in “The Amazing Race Asia 3”.A light and sound show has been set up by government at a cost of 1.25 crore rupees. The timings of the show are everyday 7.15pm to 8.10pm (Marathi) and 8.15pm to 9.10pm (English). The tickets can be booked everyday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.- Ruchi Mahajan.