- Address: Jalan Rotowijayan Blok No. 1, Panembahan, Kraton, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Phone: +62 622 74373721
In the heart of the Indonesian city of Yogyakarta is the palace of Kraton (The Palace of Yogyakarta or Keraton Yogyakarta), considered the main attraction of the region. This is a historical structure, in which the sultan still lives together with his family and concubines.
general information
Yogyakarta is located in the south-eastern part of the island of Java , and it is rightly considered the oldest cultural center of the country. To build the palace complex Kraton began here in 1755 by the order of Prince Mangkubumi. The first building was built between two rivers on the hill of Banyan Forest. This is an ideal place to protect the building from possible floods.
A few years later, various premises were added to the building: pavilions and houses. The palace is surrounded by an impressive fortress wall with a length of 1.5 km. It was erected for several years, and finally it was ready in 1785.
In 1812 on the Yogyakarta attacked the British, who almost completely destroyed the royal palace Kraton. To reconstruct the landmark began only in the 20-ies of the XX century on the orders of Sultan Khamenkubuvono Eighth. In 2006, the building was again damaged, this time from an earthquake. We restored it almost immediately.
Description of sight
The Palace of Kraton occupies far from the last place on our planet among similar buildings. The complex is characterized by an impressive area and a lot of buildings with different architectural styles. He is also distinguished by majesty and wealth.
Originally, the building was decorated in the traditional Javanese style, but in the nineteenth century the decor was partially changed to European. Here there was an Italian marble and cast-iron columns, chandeliers and furniture created in the Rococo style.
Today, the palace complex Kraton is a city in the city. It has about 25,000 inhabitants. There are shops and streets, squares and mosques, shops and stables, weapons workshops and a museum, a pavilion for dancing and music.
The entrance to the Kraton Palace begins with the front gate and an ancient dais. During the tour, visitors should pay attention to:
- a luxurious throne room;
- repository of sultan's regalia and values;
- chic interior;
- hall for receptions;
- gallery with paintings and portraits of monarchs;
- the Sultan's chamber.
Most of the buildings in the palace are grounds with canopies, which are richly decorated with elaborate patterns. Such roofs rely on columns decorated with gold. The floors are also laid out in a special way, so they not only do not heat up, but even cool their feet. These rooms save from the heat not only guests, but also the inhabitants of Kraton.
Features of visit
Tourists are allowed not to all rooms. Here there are certain rules, for example, you can not photograph women and private rooms of the hosts. In the palace of Craton they ask not to scream and disturb the peace of its inhabitants.
In front of the entrance there is a large theatrical area, where visitors are given performances in the form of traditional dances and songs. Also you will be shown a performance, which is accompanied by a national orchestra (gamelan), consisting of percussion instruments. For the convenience of the spectators, special chairs have been installed here.
How to get there?
The Kraton Palace is located in the historical center, so it will not be difficult to get to it. This complex is part of a city tour . Here you can walk along Jl Street. Mayor Suryotomo or take buses that follow directions:
- Prameks II Yogyakarta Solo Balapan;
- Sriwedari AC;
- Prambanan Express (Prameks) Kutoarjo Solo Balapan.
The stop is called Lempuyangan Station.