Type: Monument - Fort
Province: Gilgit-Baltistan
District: Hunza
Period: Historic
Relative Chronology: 11th - 14th Century CE
Description: Altit Fort is located at the southern edge of the village and rest on a large boulder / a ridge. Originally built as a defensive fort, it is said to be one of the oldest standing structures in the region and arguably one of the most spectacularly located forts, built on the very edge of the main Hunza River gorge. The main entrance to the fort faces Ultar Peak and opens into narrow corridor on the ground floor, which leads to a large space with two small storage areas. In the middle of the room, a rectangular structure, made of ruble stone and cribbage frames, carries a story within its walls. The story is that of a prince who was killed by his father on suspicion that he was plotting to overthrow the Mir. According to the local legend, the prince was buried behind the wall. A staircase leads to the first floor from the back of the corridor, where the royal kitchen was located. Further along the corridor a flight of steps leads to the shikari (watch tower) the only one remaining in Altit Fort. It is said to be at least 900 years old. On the northern edge, a quaint mosque and the royal throne are to be found. It is believed that the mosque was erected for Bibi Gories, a Balti princess, who was the wife of Mir Sultan Khan. A date on a wooden lintel on the door frame indicates its construction in the 6th century. Further a number of rooms open up to the balcony from which views of the entire valley along with the cluster of dwellings below.
Latitude: 36.259667000
Longitude: 74.675667000
Ownership: Private
Legal Status: Not Protected
Title of Publication: Built Heritage of Gilgit Baltistan by Baltistan Culture and Development Foundation
Published In: Unpublished
Year of Publication: Miscellaneous
Bibliography/Reference: Anonymous
