Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur

Gol Gumbaz, or Gol Gumbad or Round Dome, is a famous monument located in Bijapur, Karnataka, India. It is also known as the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah, who was the Sultan of Bijapur. The monument is one of the largest and most remarkable structures of its kind in the country, and it is an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture.

The monument's name, Gol Gumbaz, means a circular dome. The structure was built in the 17th century and is renowned for its incredible acoustic properties. The central dome of the Gol Gumbaz has a diameter of over 44 meters, and it is the second-largest dome in the world after the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The dome of the monument is supported by eight intersecting arches, and the central chamber of the monument is surrounded by a massive gallery.

The exterior of the monument is adorned with intricate carvings, and the interior of the monument is equally impressive. The central chamber of the monument contains the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah, which is surrounded by several other tombs belonging to his family members.

The Gol Gumbaz is also famous for its whispering gallery. If you whisper near one of the walls of the central chamber, the sound can be heard clearly on the opposite side of the chamber, nearly 38 meters away. The monument is open to visitors, and it is a popular tourist attraction in the region.