In the past, Solo is functioned as Central Java’s cradle of culture and mythology and still serves as a home for members of the ruling dynasty of central Java. Two imperial palaces, the Keraton Surakarta and the Mangkunegaran Palace, stay here from this final age of royal dynasties in Indonesia. Learn about the history of Solo by visiting these places.

  1. Keraton Surakarta

Unlike their counterpart in Yogyakarta, who utilize the name of the sultan, the rulers of Surakarta use the name of Sunan and its palace smaller compared to Yogyakarta palace. It’s still home to the Surakarta royal family. A more European-style decoration was added by wealthy rulers in the late 19th century and early 20th century. The entrance to the Kraton Surakarta opens to the Alun Alun, where its main audience hall (Pagelaran) is situated.

  1. Pura Mangkunegaran

Architecturally, this palace was constructed to resemble the Keraton or Javanese palace, although a much bigger one. What is intriguing about this place is that nearly the whole areas of the castle have been constructed using complete teak timber. This palace also has quite the assortment of a traditional mask from around Indonesian as well as China.

  1. Cetho Temple

Cetho is one of many temples constructed on the northeast slopes of Mount Lawu from the fifteenth century. By this moment, Javanese religion and art had diverged from Indian precepts that had been so influential on temples fashions during the 8-10th century. This region was the last significant area of temple building in Java before the people were converted to Islam in the 16th century. The temple is still employed by the surrounding remaining Hindunese individuals or pilgrims from other areas to worship and also as a meditation area by the followers of Kejawen (Javanese spiritual tradition).

  1. Triwindu Antique Market

Also Called Windujenar Market, Triwindu Antique Market is located on Jalan Diponegoro, not much from the Mangkunegaran Palace. Trolling across the many aisles, you will be treated to various kinds of antiques from different times in the past. The artifacts placed within these walls vary considerably in shape, history, and cultural heritage, but all show high artistic value and excellent craftsmanship.

The exceptional quality of Triwindu Antique Market is the barter system remains set up as a valid means of transaction. Here you’re able to bring your antique items to swap for another piece which you admire. Items housed in this industry range in price from only a few hundred million to tens of millions of rupiah.

Even though some items date back hundreds of years, many are in good condition, and several are still functioning.

  1. Solo Batik Carnival

Each July because of 2008, Solo continues to be throwing among the most important cultural festival in Central Java, Solo Batik Carnaval that features two days of exhibition and a day of carnival around the city where over 250 participants perform traditional dance performance, flaunt beautiful batik-inspired costumes.