This Javanese Palace was, and still is, the centerpiece of Yogyakarta and for the Hamengku Buwono Dynasty. Originally designed and built by Hamengku Buwono I (circa 1776), it is an outstanding example of elegant, classical Javanese architecture. The Keraton has a North to South orientation and is made up of a series of Bangsal (halls) which are venues for Gamelan, Dances and Wayang (puppet) performances, as well as spacious courtyards, pavilions and domiciles.
The north to south orientation is quite important inasmuch as the Palace, the Tugu and Mount Merapi (see below) are all in a perfectly straight line. This axis is believed to be blessed and in olden days the Sri Sultan used to concentrate his mind along this axis before making an important decision.
You will undoubtedly notice a number of elderly, elegant, reserved and dignified men in traditional batik and Javanese headgear (Blangkon). These are the royal retainers, whose family service to the Sultan goes back many, many generations. These days they are responsible for maintaining the palace and its exhibits, collecting entrance fees and enforcing proper tourist decorum. They consider themselves privileged and act accordingly.
The Keraton itself houses an interesting variety of historically significant objects - from the Antique Royal Gamelan, to Royal Palanquins (glass enclosed conveyances for the Royal family that carried on the shoulders of up to 16 bearers) and original oil portraits and photos of the ten Sultans and their wives and children.
Somewhat surprisingly, the palace is also home to approximately 20,000 people who live and work in the Keraton even today. Many of these residents sell souvenirs, snacks and soft drinks to the many tourists who arrive daily.
Hours: Daily 8:00am to 2:00pm (Fridays 8:00am to 1:00pm). Closed on all National holidays.
Entrance Fee: Rp. 2,000.- (Rp. 3,000.- if you want to take pictures).
PLace at Yogyakarta > Keraton
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