All historical monuments in Agra except the iconic Taj Mahal and Red Fort will open from Septemeber 1, the district administration said on Thursday. 

The monuments were closed down in March as the nationwide lockdown was announced to check the spread of coronavirus. 

The Centre had in July allowed all centrally protected monuments of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to open by completely abiding safety protocols. It was, however, left to the local administration to allow the opening of tourist spots. 

Now the Agra administration has allowed all monuments in the city to open, barring the Taj and the fort that attract most footfalls. 

However, they will remain closed on weekends - Saturday and Sunday - in view of the weekly lockdown in the state. 

Mask and social distancing will have to be followed at all times, the order issued by the District Administration said. 

Earlier in July, the ASI had issued SOP for all the monuments and instructions for visitors that have to be followed.

All Centrally protected monuments and sites shall be bound by the protocols like sanitisation, social distancing and other health protocols issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as per the guidelines, besides any specific orders of the state or district administration will also be strictly implemented.

The use of face cover/mask is mandatory for employees as well as for visitors.