Sonamasjid enchanting visitors for 500 years
Its exquisite design and historical importance attract visitors from both home and abroad. Not only history enthusiasts, but also lovers of nature and culture find the site captivating.
ATT Desk Report 
Sonamasjid, a 500-year-old architectural masterpiece, stands as a proud witness to Bengal’s rich history and remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region.
Its exquisite design and historical importance attract visitors from both home and abroad. Not only history enthusiasts, but also lovers of nature and culture find the site captivating.
Located in the ancient city of Gaur, Sonamasjid is one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in North Bengal and across Bangladesh. Built during the Sultanate period, the mosque has gained international recognition as an important heritage site.
Situated in Pirojpur village under Shahbajpur union of Shibganj upazila in Chapainawabganj district, the mosque lies about 85 kilometres from Rajshahi city and around 35 kilometres from the Bishwa Road intersection in Chapainawabganj town. Just before the Sonamasjid land port, the mosque stands beside a large pond on the right side of the highway. It can be easily reached by bus, microbus, CNG-run auto-rickshaw or other local transport.
The mosque was built during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah (1493–1519). According to an inscription above the main entrance, it was constructed by Majlis-e-Majalis Majlis Mansur Wali Muhammad bin Ali.
The sideview of Sonamasjid: Photo: Wikipedia/Sakib Iqbal
The mosque was severely damaged in the devastating earthquake of 1897. The British government later repaired it in 1900, replacing some of the original stonework with brick.
Built mainly of brick with an outer layer of stone, the mosque measures 82 by 52.5 feet externally and 70 feet 4 inches by 40 feet 9 inches internally, with a height of about 20 feet. The central prayer hall is covered with four intersecting domes, while six round domes stand on each side. In addition, three chauchala (pyramid-shaped) domes are placed in the middle, featuring intricate rose-like carvings on their inner sides.
There are four corner towers, each octagonal at the base and decorated with ring-like bands along their height. The mosque’s façade has five doorways, while the right and left sides each have three. The doorways and walls feature finely carved ornamentation, shallow yet detailed.
The arched stone gateway at the entrance is richly decorated. In front of it lie rows of ancient graves enclosed with stone borders, adding to the historical atmosphere of the site.
The mosque’s decoration includes carved stone, patterned brickwork, glazed terracotta tiles and ornamental motifs, with carved stonework being the most prominent feature.
In the southeast corner of the mosque complex are the graves of Birshreshtha Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir and Shaheed Major Nazmul Haque Tulu, two valiant freedom fighters whose graves attract many visitors.
The outside view of Sinamasjid. Photo: Wikipedia/Rocky Masum
Kayes Ali, a visitor from Nandigram upazila in Bogura, told BSS: “I had heard stories of Sonamasjid since childhood and read about it in books. I always wanted to see it in person. Finally I got the chance today, and it is even more beautiful than I imagined.”
Another visitor, Mainul Islam Dipu from Bagha in Rajshahi, said: “I had always dreamed of visiting Sonamasjid. Today I offered prayers here, toured the area and visited the graves of two national heroes. It feels truly special.”
With its 500 years of history and remarkable architecture, Sonamasjid continues to attract not only local tourists but also visitors from around the world. Foreign travellers can often be seen exploring the site.
Apart from Sonamasjid, the surrounding area is home to several other medieval architectural treasures, including Darasbari Mosque and Madrasa, Khanjan Dighi Mosque, Tahkhana Complex, Teen Gumbuj Mosque, the shrine of Shah Niamatullah and Dhaniyachak Mosque — making the region a paradise for heritage lovers.
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