Interesting Places in Solo
Kasunanan Palace
Containing a kaleidoskopic collections of royal artifacts from the not-so-distant past, the Kasunanan Palace of Solo is a place every citizen of Solo knows by heart. It is among the top landmarks dominating the skyline of Surakarta. Kasunanan Palace was constructed during the reign of King Pakubuwono II way back in the year of 1745. Centuries ago, Kasunanan Palace was the residence of the Javanese king, who was at that time the sovereign of Central Java. The vast Kasunanan Palace is steeped in traditional Javanese heritage, and with its ornate architecture is considered a site of magnificent historical significance. In the vicinity is the legendary Panggung Songgo Buwono, or the “Tower of the Universe”, an important cultural site truly worth visiting.
Puro Mangkunegaran
Puro Mangkunegaran was constructed by the order of Mangkunegoro II in the end of the 19th century, and was completed in 1866. Though having undergone several restorations throughout the years, Puro Mangkunegaran still triumphantly flaunts its dazzling original design, a distinctive Javanese architectural style called joglo. Using teak wood as its main building material, Puro Mangkunegaran consists of two main parts: Pendopo and Dalem. At the Pendopo is placed a set of gamelan known to possess mythical properties, named “Kyai Kanyut Masem”, played every Wednesday as accompaniment to the traditional dance rehearsals performed here.
Radya Pustaka Museum
Radya Pustaka Museum is located on Jalan Slamet Riyadi as part of the Sriwedari Park. The museum was built by Adipati Sosrodiningrat IV, who was the Patih (prime minister) during the reign of Kings Pakubuwono IX and X. In front of the museum stands Ronggowarsito Monument, its inauguration attended by Ir. Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia. Radya Pustaka Museum keeps ancient artifacts that are the collections of Kasunanan Palace, Mangkunegaran Palace, and various other sources.
Triwindu Antique Market
Pasar Triwindu has long been a place where antiques of all kinds are bought and sold, often in very reasonable and affordable prices. The market is located nearby Puro Mangkunegaran and opens daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Pasar Klewer
Situated next to alun-alun lor (northern town square) of the Kasunanan Palace, Pasar Klewer is without doubt the largest and most diversified batik market in Java, where one can find various kinds and styles of batik on sale, from traditional to modern ones, for a wide range of price (though mostly affordable). Open daily 10 am to 4 pm.
Pasar Gede
In ancient times, Pasar Gede was a small market, somehow contrary to its designation (Gede means “large” in Javanese). Solo’s major market, Pasar Gede was established at the crossroads close to the governor's office, which is now called the Central Area of Surakarta. The building was designed by a renowned Dutch architect, Thomas Karsten, and was completed in 1930 to be given the name Pasar Hardjanagara Gede. The market was named “Gede” due to the wide, large roof that covers the whole building. As time progresses, it is now the biggest public market in Solo.
Kasunanan Palace
Containing a kaleidoskopic collections of royal artifacts from the not-so-distant past, the Kasunanan Palace of Solo is a place every citizen of Solo knows by heart. It is among the top landmarks dominating the skyline of Surakarta. Kasunanan Palace was constructed during the reign of King Pakubuwono II way back in the year of 1745. Centuries ago, Kasunanan Palace was the residence of the Javanese king, who was at that time the sovereign of Central Java. The vast Kasunanan Palace is steeped in traditional Javanese heritage, and with its ornate architecture is considered a site of magnificent historical significance. In the vicinity is the legendary Panggung Songgo Buwono, or the “Tower of the Universe”, an important cultural site truly worth visiting.
Puro Mangkunegaran
Puro Mangkunegaran was constructed by the order of Mangkunegoro II in the end of the 19th century, and was completed in 1866. Though having undergone several restorations throughout the years, Puro Mangkunegaran still triumphantly flaunts its dazzling original design, a distinctive Javanese architectural style called joglo. Using teak wood as its main building material, Puro Mangkunegaran consists of two main parts: Pendopo and Dalem. At the Pendopo is placed a set of gamelan known to possess mythical properties, named “Kyai Kanyut Masem”, played every Wednesday as accompaniment to the traditional dance rehearsals performed here.
Radya Pustaka Museum
Radya Pustaka Museum is located on Jalan Slamet Riyadi as part of the Sriwedari Park. The museum was built by Adipati Sosrodiningrat IV, who was the Patih (prime minister) during the reign of Kings Pakubuwono IX and X. In front of the museum stands Ronggowarsito Monument, its inauguration attended by Ir. Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia. Radya Pustaka Museum keeps ancient artifacts that are the collections of Kasunanan Palace, Mangkunegaran Palace, and various other sources.
Triwindu Antique Market
Pasar Triwindu has long been a place where antiques of all kinds are bought and sold, often in very reasonable and affordable prices. The market is located nearby Puro Mangkunegaran and opens daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Pasar Klewer
Situated next to alun-alun lor (northern town square) of the Kasunanan Palace, Pasar Klewer is without doubt the largest and most diversified batik market in Java, where one can find various kinds and styles of batik on sale, from traditional to modern ones, for a wide range of price (though mostly affordable). Open daily 10 am to 4 pm.
Pasar Gede
In ancient times, Pasar Gede was a small market, somehow contrary to its designation (Gede means “large” in Javanese). Solo’s major market, Pasar Gede was established at the crossroads close to the governor's office, which is now called the Central Area of Surakarta. The building was designed by a renowned Dutch architect, Thomas Karsten, and was completed in 1930 to be given the name Pasar Hardjanagara Gede. The market was named “Gede” due to the wide, large roof that covers the whole building. As time progresses, it is now the biggest public market in Solo.
