yogyakarta

YOGYAKARTA


Yogyakarta, one of the three district of Indonesia is one of the foremost cultural centres of java.

Located at the foot the active volcano Merapi, the fertile plain of yogyakarta was in the 16th and 17th centuries the seat of the mighty javanese empire of mataram, from wich present day yogyakarta has inherited the best of traditions. The city it self has a special, gentle charm wich seldom falls to captivate the visitor.

The Sultan’s pallace was built in 1755 after the division of mataram and establishment of the sultanate of yogyakarta. It is a vast complex of courtyards, halls and pavillions was completed in 1755, wich correspondends with javanese year 1682. This date is portrayed on the lintel of the entrance gate by two snakes facing opposite directions with their tails entwined.

Nowadays, the kraton is no longer the seat of power but it still houses-among other things the royal heirlroom, and arms, the royal collection of magnificent bejewelled leather wayang puppets, the royal carriage, and many ornaments of european and indonesian origin, many of them gift from royal guest in the past.

Known as taman sari of pleasure garden, the water castle derives its name from the most wich once sourronded it. Built in 1758 by Sultan Hamengku Buwono, just little to the west of kraton, this pleasure garden, castle is at present no more than an intriguing collections or ruins, pools, archas, and underground passages enclosed by massive walls.


The water castle is located in the older part of the city and within easy walking distance from the bird market. A collection of batik workshop line the avenue leading to the pleasure garden’s entrance gate.





Imogiri is the official cemetery of the royal families of yogyakarta and surakarta. The village attrats many people because its large group of ancient graves. The royal and princely graveyards are located on a hilltop and atotal of 345 stone steps lead up to the graves.

Imogiri is about 17 kms, south east of yogyakarta and easly accessible by bus. The tombs were built within three main courtyards. Entry into the smaller courtyards housing the tombs of the princes is allowed, but only on Monday and Friday and formal javanese costume has to be worn, wich, however, may be hired on the spot at a modest fee.