Falaknuma Palace: Distant aerial view of the 32 acre site, palace is visible at top left

In 1724 the city once again became the headquarters of a ruling dynasty, the Asaf Shahis. These sultans, otherwise known as the Nizams of Hyderabad, became the most powerful in the Deccan. European-style architecture was introduced in Hyderabad during the 18th century. The Falaknuma Palace (1872) was an imposing exercise in Neo-classicism inspired by the villas of Andrea Palladio. It is now a luxury hotel.