Bara Imambara was built by Asaf Ud Daula who was the Nawab of Lucknow in 1784. So it is also called Asafi Imambara. Bara means big and imambara means shrine. This is a beautiful structure that reflects the Mughal architectural elegance with central chamber having the tomb of Asaf Ud Daula. It is 50 meters in length and 16 meters in breadth and has a height of more than 15 meters. But the striking factor here is the whole structure is built without a beam and is one of such largest buildings built without a beam in the world.

The Imambara has eight chambers built around it with different heights. There is a three dimensional labyrinth that has passages that interconnect with 489 identical doorways. This maze is supposed to bear the weight of the building. The building is also called as Bhulbhulayah. Rumi Darwaza is built outside this structure. The lavish decorations attract tourists.