Places that might stir you in Surakarta

Places that might stir you in Surakarta

SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): Surakarta, or Solo, is known as
a city that never sleeps -- something always seems to be
happening around the clock. Here are some of the places to be
found in this center of Javanese culture with something to offer
visitors from near and far.

Keraton Surakarta: The local palace which was built in 1745 by
Pakubuwono II after being relocated from Kartasura in Sala
village. Humming with tradition and history, it is famed for its
Sanggobuwono platform, which the sultan reputedly used for
encounters with the queen of the south coast, Ratu Kidul.

A museum stores antiques and heirlooms passed down from
Pakubuwono 11. Open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed on Fridays.

Puro Mangkunegaran: Built by Raden Mas Said, who is better
known as Prince Samber Nyawa, in 1757 following the signing of
the March 13 Salatiga accord. The home of the Mangkunegara
princedom, it has distinctive Javanese architecture in the Joglo
style.

Its collection includes valuable gold jewelry, diamonds,
wayang golek puppets, masks, handicrafts, carriages and two
traditional gamelan. It has been open to the public since 1968.

Taman Sriwedari: Home to wayang orang performances since
the reign of Pakubuwono X. Tales are drawn from the Ramayana and
Mahabharata classics, with philosophy suited to the people of
Indonesia. Performances, with impromptu dialog, are accompanied
by gamelan and sinden (traditional singers). Nightly performances
from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Radya Pustaka Museum: Built in 1890 by Kanjeng Adipati
Sosrodiningrat IV, a high-ranking courtier during the reigns of
Pakubuwono IX dan Pakubuwono X.

Located on Jl. Slamet Riyadi in the Taman Wisata Cultural
Center. Collection includes valuable artifacts, such as kris,
gamelan, stone and bronze statues, leather puppets and ceramics.
It also owns a collection of old books, including in ancient
Javanese and Dutch.

Pasar Klewer: The biggest batik and textile market in the
country. Home to a grand selection of batik, from low quality to
the most expensive. Surakarta is renowned as a city with batik
traditions handed down from generation to generation, and the
industry is a major source of income for locals. Bartering is an
art in itself. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pasar Triwindu: The city's famed antiques market, located
adjacent to Puro Mangkunegaran. A wide array of antiques is
available, including ornamental lamps, porcelain plates, batik
and parasols. (Sulistyo Budi N)