"Kraton Surakarta (Solo)" Top 5 Page for this destination Solo Things to Do Tip by trisanna

Since Solo is also a Sultanate city, like Yogyakarta, they also have a Kraton or palace. The present Sultanate's ancestors moved to this site around the mid 18th century. The Kraton is built with a lot of European detail. You will see this from Greek statues, to colonial lamps to furniture. In 1985, there was a large fire, which sadly destroyed most of the palace. The majority of what we see is somewhat of a reconstruction. The large meditation tower, known as Panggung Songgo Buwono, built in 1782 survived the fire. The Sultanate famlily still lives on site and use the grounds for meetings or events. The Kraton here looks very similiar to the one in Yogyakrata, but looks more strapped for cash. It looks like the complex needs a major renovation. On one side there is an interesting museum, but that desperately needs funds, since many of the objects look like they are feeling the strain of the tropical heat.

Address: Jalan Sasonomulyo
Directions: Admission includes entry to the Kraton and museum. Open 8.30 to 2pm saturday through thursday.