Exploring 12 Yogyakarta Historical Sites: Unveiling The City’s Legacy

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Exploring Yogyakarta Historical Sites – Yogyakarta Special Region is truly special. Not only rich in captivating natural attractions, but this area is also rich in historical and cultural sites.

From museums, places of worship, palaces, to bathing places of the kings.

You can find various historical buildings still standing strong to this day. Various artifacts from the past are also neatly preserved and well-maintained in several museums that you can visit whenever you want.

To revisit the glory of the Special Region in the southern part of Java Island, you can visit the following tourist locations.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta boasts various historical remnants or traces that can be used to trace its development and dynamics over a long period of time.

When talking about Yogyakarta, we can’t overlook the Islamic Mataram Kingdom centered in Kotagede.

This is because the Islamic Mataram serves as the direct link to the presence of the Yogyakarta Sultanate and the Pura Pakualaman, which marks the early development of Yogyakarta.

From the time Panembahan Senapati built his palace in Kotagede to Pangeran Mangkubumi opening up the banyan forest, there’s a common thread of a center of government giving rise to a high civilization growing in what is now known as Yogyakarta.

Besides its historical traces stemming from a kingdom, Yogyakarta also harbors history and culture from foreign nations, such as the cultural influences brought by the Dutch colonial government and the Chinese.

Read more: Yogyakarta Temples, Palaces, and Traditions: A Rich Cultural Experience in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta Historical Sites You Should Visit

As you immerse yourself in the historical sites of Yogyakarta, each destination offers a unique window into the region’s rich past and cultural tapestry.

From the regal grandeur of the Keraton Yogyakarta to the tranquil allure of the Taman Sari Water Castle, and the poignant reminders of Indonesia’s fight for independence at the Benteng Vredeburg Museum, every stop presents an opportunity to delve deeper into Yogyakarta’s storied history.

These sites serve as living testaments to the city’s heritage, inviting visitors to embark on a captivating journey through time and uncover the diverse layers of Yogyakarta’s historical narrative.

1. Keraton Yogyakarta

Location: Jl. Rotowijayan Blok No. 1, Panembahan, Kraton Sub-district, Yogyakarta City

Opening Hours: Every day (08:30 AM – 02:00 PM)

Entrance Fee: starting from Rp5,000 – Rp15,000 per person.

One of the historical attractions in Jogja that you must visit is definitely the Yogyakarta Palace, Keraton. This tourist spot and one of the city’s icons has the original name of Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat. Until now, this palace is still inhabited by the descendants of the Yogyakarta kings.

Not only can you see historical buildings, but you can also witness various performances or traditional ceremonies still often held by the palace authorities. If you go inside, you will also find heritage items from ancient times.

These heritage items include things like golden chariots, daggers, spears, royal umbrellas, banners, horse saddles, and regalia. No wonder, this location has also been recognized by UNESCO as one of the world heritage sites.

Read more: Immersing in Javanese Traditions: Exploration Culture in Yogyakarta

2. Taman Sari

Location: Patehan, Kecamatan Kraton, Kota Yogyakarta

Opening Hours: Setiap hari (09.00 WIB – 15.00 WIB)

Entrance Fee: Rp5,000/person

The Taman Sari site complex is a legacy of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwana I. Taman Sari translates to “beautiful garden,” which used to be a recreational spot for the sultan and the palace entourage.

One of the sacred spots within the Taman Sari complex is Pasareyan Ledoksari, which served as the sultan’s retreat and private area.

The most intriguing part of this complex is the Sumur Gumuling, a two-story structure with the lower floor situated underground. In the past, it served as a kind of mosque where the sultan could worship. Access to this area was through underground passages.

Most of the Taman Sari building structures consist of underground tunnels, which were secret passages prepared as escape routes in case of enemy attacks on the complex.

3. The Tomb of Ratu Mas Malang

Location: Pedukuhan Gunung Kelir, Kalurahan Pleret, Kapanéwon Pleret, Bantul Regency.

The tomb of Ratu Mas Malang, also known as Gunung Kelir Tomb and Antakapura Tomb (in Kawi language: “the palace of death” or “the palace where corpses are buried”), is a cultural heritage site left by Amangkurat I or Amangkurat Agung.

This site is situated on the summit of Mount Sentana, with an elevation of +99 meters above sea level. Its existence is related to the figures buried here, namely Ratu Mas Malang and Ki Panjang Mas.

Mas Malang was the daughter of Ki Wayah, a dalang wayang gedog (puppeteer), and one of the concubines of Amangkurat I. Before becoming a concubine, she was the wife of Dalang Panjang, a famous puppeteer in the Mataram Sultanate region.

The Babad Momana records that this tomb was built for approximately three years, from the death of Mas Malang in 1665 until its completion on June 11, 1668.

Amangkurat I named the place Antakapura (in Kawi language), meaning “the palace of death,” while the surrounding community called it the Gunung Kelir Tomb because there are grooves on the tomb walls resembling kelir (the background screen) in a wayang kulit (shadow puppet) performance.

The construction of its walls consists of white stone blocks, while its tombstones are made of andesite stone. Overall, the physical condition of this burial complex is deteriorating, primarily due to natural factors.

Another site within the same complex as this tomb is Sendang Maya. This site, consisting of two ponds, is located to the northeast of the tomb and serves as a rainwater reservoir.

The pond inside the surrounding wall measures approximately +3.5 meters x 5 meters, while the one outside the wall measures about +6 meters x 6 meters.

The spring is surrounded by the same brick wall as the Ratu Mas Malang Tomb, with a height of +3 meters and a thickness of 2.1 meters.

4. Ndalem Jayadipuran Site

Location: Jalan Brigjen Katamso No. 139, Kalurahan Keparakan, Kêmantrèn Mergangsan, Yogyakarta City

Originally, Ndalem Jayadipuran was in the form of a Javanese classic house with a limasan style known as Ndalem Dipowinatan.

This ancient building played a significant role in the history of Indonesia’s struggle for independence, especially during the movement era, such as the Sixth Jong Java Congress held on May 23-27, 1923, and the First Indonesian Women’s Congress on December 22-25, 1928.

Currently, the Ndalem Jayadipuran building is occupied by the office of BPNB (Cultural Heritage Preservation Agency) Yogyakarta. Considering the many national awakening movements held at Ndalem Jayadipuran, the building is referred to as the “house of national awakening.”

Read more: Singapore to Borobudur Temple: Mastering the Journey

5 Vredeburg Fort Museum

Location: Jl. Margo Mulyo No.6, Ngupasan, Gondomanan District, Yogyakarta City

Opening Hours: Every Tuesday – Sunday (08:00 AM – 03:00 PM)

Ticket Prices: Rp2,000 (child), Rp3,000 (adult), and Rp10,000 (foreign tourists)

Looking for a historical attraction that combines education and entertainment? The Vredeburg Fort Museum is the answer. Built-in 1765 by the Dutch government, this museum was initially a defense fort against attacks from the Yogyakarta Palace.

Inside the museum, you’ll discover a variety of collections, such as dioramas depicting the pre-proclamation people’s struggles, Dutch colonial-era buildings, and other historically significant artifacts that reflect the culture of the past.

So, in this museum, you can get various interesting information, ranging from history, culture, to the noble values of struggle. Moreover, this attraction also offers many Instagrammable photo spots that are perfect as backgrounds.

6. Yogya Kembali Monument

Location: Jl. Ring Road Utara, Jongkang, Sariharjo, Ngaglik, Sleman Regency

Opening Hours: Every Tuesday – Sunday from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM.

Ticket Prices: Starting from Rp10,000 – Rp15,000 per person.

The Yogya Kembali Monument is a museum with a unique architectural design. Located on the side of the North Ring Road, this museum resembles a mountain, symbolizing fertility and the preservation of ancestral history.

The museum is built to commemorate the history of Indonesia’s struggle against the retreat of Dutch forces from Yogyakarta, which was the capital of Indonesia at the time. As you enter the museum, you’ll find a row of hero names on a large wall.

Known more commonly as Monjali, this museum also features dioramas and wall paintings depicting Indonesia’s struggle against colonialism. Additionally, there’s a special room named Garbha Graha for praying for the heroes.

7. Ndalem Brontokusuman

Location: Brontokusuman, Mergangsan, Yogyakarta City, Special Region of Yogyakarta

Ndalem Brontokusuman or Ndalem Pugeran is a cultural heritage building located in Brontokusuman Village, Mergangsan District, Yogyakarta City.

Its location is on the west side of Sisingamangaraja Street and adjacent to Keparakan Village to the north. This building was designated as a cultural heritage site through the Decree of the Mayor No. 798/KEP/2009.

Ndalem Brontokusuman was built in 1895 during the reign of Hamengkubuwana VII. The components of the building reflect the Yogyakarta Palace, situated within a fortress and featuring the structural layout of a traditional Javanese house (pendopo, gledegan, regol, pringgitan, ndalem ageng, gandok kiwa, gandok tengen, seketheng, gadri, and pawon).

8. Monument of indonesian Football Association

The Monument of the Indonesian Football Association or the Indonesian Football Association Building Mataram (PSIM) Yogyakarta is a cultural heritage building erected on July 3, 1955, by an artist named Jayeng Asmoro to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the All-Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) and was inaugurated by President Soekarno.

It is located north of the Mandala Krida Stadium, precisely at Jalan Mawar No. 1, Baciro Village, Gondokusuman District, Yogyakarta City.

According to the Decree of the Mayor No. 798/KEP/2009, the building is designated as a cultural heritage site.

9. Fuk Ling Miau Temple

Fuk Ling Miau Temple or Gondomanan Temple is a place of worship for Confucian and Buddhist followers located at 3 Brigjen Katamso Street, Prawirodirjan Village, Gondomanan District, Yogyakarta City.

Established in 1846 by the Chinese community in Yogyakarta, Fuk Ling Miau Temple was originally a house built by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwana II for his consort from China, which means Fuk is blessings, Ling is limitless, and Miau is temple.

The temple is under the auspices of the Indonesian Buddhist Council with the name Buddha Prabha Gondomanan Monastery. This indicates that the back building is used for Buddhists, while the front building is used for Confucianists.

This temple’s architecture is a blend of Chinese and Javanese styles. One distinctive feature is the pair of sky dragons facing each other above the building, with red and yellow paint symbolizing harmony.

Fuk Ling Miau Temple was designated as a cultural heritage site on March 26, 2007, under the Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Decree No. PM.25/PW.007/MKP/2007.

10. Ullen Sentalu Museum

Location: Jl. Boyong KM 25, Kaliurang Barat, Sleman, Yogyakarta

This museum, themed on art, culture, and history, was officially opened in 1997.

Ullen Sentalu Museum houses paintings and clothing worn by nobles from that era, collections of Solo and Yogyakarta batik fabrics, Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, and ancient gamelan instruments.

Additionally, visitors can learn about the meanings and significance of ancestral batik patterns.

The architecture of Ullen Sentalu Museum blends Gothic and tropical styles. Towards the end of the museum tour or near the exit, there’s a building resembling a European castle.

While taking photos inside the museum is prohibited, this guided tour museum is always bustling with tourists every day. So, don’t miss out on Ullen Sentalu Museum on your travel itinerary!

11. General Assault Monument of March 11th

Location: Jl. Malioboro KM 0, Yogyakarta

Situated near the Benteng Vredeburg Museum, right in front of the Yogyakarta Central Post Office, this monument commemorates Indonesia’s assault on the Dutch on March 1, 1949.

As one of Yogyakarta Province’s landmarks and cultural heritage sites, it serves as a reminder of Indonesia’s struggle against colonial rule in the past.

Visitors can explore this monument on special occasions or significant celebrations. On regular days, tourists can view it from outside the fence.

12. Sasmitaloka Museum of Great General Soedirman

Location: Jl. Bintaran Wetan 3, Yogyakarta

This museum showcases the historical journey of General Soedirman, featuring a collection of his struggles and achievements.

Derived from the museum’s name, ‘sasmita’ means remembrance, while ‘loka’ refers to a place, thus interpreting the museum as a place to commemorate General Soedirman.

Formerly serving as the official residence of General Soedirman after his inauguration as the Supreme Commander of the People’s Security Army, the museum houses rooms and artifacts once used by the general, including various weapons he used during wartime.

Let’s Explore Java!

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Java, Indonesia, where a world of wonders awaits! Java, the heart and soul of Indonesia, is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking experiences.

Find out the package now from Yogyakarta Tours:

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Borobudur Sunrise

Prambanan Ramayana Ballet

Timang Beach

and more…

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Author: Pramitha Chandra
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