Keraton Surakarta

Surakarta is also known by the name "Solo". The city has a similar name with the neighboring district of "Kartasura". The eastern part of the town is bordered by Bengawan Solo River, the longest river on Java. The river is the inspiration for the song Bengawan Solo, composition by Gesang Martohartono. The ruler of the main court within the city is known as a hereditary king with title of Pakubuwono. Keraton Surakarta founded by Pakoe Boewono II in 1745 to replace the old palace in Kartasura which is about 12 kilometers from Solo to the west. There is an art gallery in the Kasunan Palace to keep the reminders from the past of the empire like Kereta Kencana (The Golden Cart), various kinds of traditional weapons, leather puppet and many other antique collection that have aesthetic and historical values. Physically the Kasunanan palace is divided into the building and supporting environment like Gapura [entrance gate], called as Gladag at the north side, and Pamukaran at the south side. There are also two Alun-alun (squares) located at the north and south sides. Masjid Agung (Grand Mosque) and the famous Batik Market known as Klwer lay next to the palace. Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta is opened to public in everyday. Open time in everyday start 08.00 until 14.00 WIB and Sunday opened started 09.00 until 13.00 WIB. Except Friday, Keraton Kasunanan is closed for public.