Explore various historical tourist attractions in Central Java that combine cultural heritage, natural beauty, and fascinating historical stories.
Central Java, one of the provinces with extraordinary cultural and historical richness, offers various tourist destinations that are not only interesting for nature lovers, but also for those interested in historical journeys.
Starting from historic palaces, ancient temples, to museums that preserve traces of the nation’s struggle, Central Java has many places that offer an in-depth experience of Indonesia’s past. Here are 10 historical tourist attractions that you must visit in Central Java.
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1. Lawang Sewu: A Historical Building with a Mysterious Story
Located in Semarang, Lawang Sewu is one of the most famous historical buildings in Central Java. Known as the former office of the Nederlands-Indische Spoorweg Maatschappij (NIS), Lawang Sewu has many mysterious stories that are often associated with haunted stories.
This building was also used as a prison by the Japanese army during World War II. Interestingly, even though it is called Lawang Sewu (a thousand doors), this building only has 429 doors.
Visitors can enjoy the magnificent architecture and enjoy the mysterious atmosphere in this place. Lawang Sewu is also a popular place for pre-wedding photos for those who want to take pictures with a historical background.
2. Borobudur Temple: A Wonder of the World Full of History
Borobudur Temple, located in Magelang, Central Java, is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site.
Known for its 1460 reliefs and 504 stupas, Borobudur Temple offers a stunning and impressive view. This temple was built in the 9th century by the Syailendra dynasty and became a symbol of the glory of the Ancient Mataram kingdom.
Apart from its enchanting beauty, Borobudur Temple holds many stories and Buddhist philosophies that can be learned through the reliefs on each wall of the temple. This is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of Buddhism and ancient architectural wonders.
3. Surakarta Kasunanan Palace: Traces of the Glory of the Javanese Kingdom
Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta, located in Solo, is a center of Javanese culture rich in history and tradition. Founded in 1744 by Sunan Pakubuwono II, the palace is still the residence of the royal family to this day.
In addition to enjoying the beauty of typical Javanese architecture, visitors can also visit the Keris Museum inside the palace, which houses various collections of keris, heirlooms, and historical items.
One of the famous places is Panggung Sanggabuwana, which is said to be the place where Sunan Pakubuwono II met Nyai Roro Kidul, the ruler of the South Coast in Javanese legend.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this magnificent palace and learn more about classical Javanese culture.
4. Mendut Temple: A Stunning Buddhist Heritage
Located not far from Borobudur Temple, Mendut Temple is a Buddhist temple which is also a relic of the Buddhist kingdom in the 9th century.
The temple has reliefs depicting Buddhist teachings and houses a large Buddha statue inside. With a height of around 24.6 meters, Mendut Temple is a very important place in the history of Buddhism in Indonesia.
Although smaller than Borobudur Temple, Mendut Temple has its own charm and peace, making it a destination not to be missed by history and architecture lovers.
5. Demak Grand Mosque: The Amazing Legacy of the Wali Songo
The Great Mosque of Demak is the oldest mosque in Indonesia, built in the 15th century by Sunan Kalijaga, one of the famous members of the Wali Songo.
This mosque has a unique architecture with one main pillar made from stacked wooden chips, and three other pillars made from teak wood.
Apart from being a place of worship, the Great Mosque of Demak also has a very high historical value because it played a major role in the spread of Islam in Java. As a cultural heritage, this mosque is now an important religious tourism destination for Muslims.
6. Ngarsopuro Night Market: A Historic Night Market with a Traditional Feel
Ngarsopuro Night Market located in Solo, is a night market that is famous for its traditional atmosphere and long history.
This market is known for only allowing sellers who have Solo ID cards to sell here, and the goods sold must reflect the characteristics of the city of Solo.
Here, you can buy various Solo specialties and taste various legendary culinary delights, such as nasi gandul and Solo’s special chicken rice.
Ngarsopuro Night Market is a perfect place to enjoy the nuances of the city of Solo while getting to know more about local culture.
7. Menara Kudus Mosque: An Islamic Heritage that Blends Hindu Culture
Menara Kudus Mosque, located in Kudus, Central Java, is one of the historic mosques that has a mixture of Hindu and Islamic architecture.
This mosque was built by Sunan Kudus, one of the Wali Songo who was famous in the history of the spread of Islam in Java.
The mosque’s minaret has a design similar to a Hindu temple, and inside the mosque there is a shield stone that is said to have come from Baitul Maqdis in Jerusalem.
This mosque not only functions as a place of worship but also as an important religious tourism destination to learn about.
Railway Museum: Tracing the History of Indonesian Railways
Ambarawa Railway Museum, located in Semarang Regency, is a museum that used to be a railway station called Willem I Station.
This station was built in 1873 and became a means of transporting export commodities and military transportation during the Dutch colonial period.
In this museum, you can see various collections of antique trains, as well as try riding a steam train that travels through Rawa Pening. This museum offers a unique experience for those of you who are interested in the history of Indonesian railways.
9. Mandala Bhakti Museum: Witnessing the History of Indonesia’s Struggle
The Mandala Bhakti Museum, located in front of Tugu Muda Semarang, houses various historical collections about the struggle of the Indonesian National Army (TNI).
The museum houses various war uniforms, military vehicles, and paintings of Prince Diponegoro depicting the struggle for Indonesian independence.
This museum, which was inaugurated in 1985, provides a clear picture of the history of the Indonesian people’s struggle through its very valuable collections.
10. Old Town Semarang: A Historical Area with a Colonial Feel
Semarang Old Town is an area steeped in colonial history with well-maintained vintage buildings. In this area, you can enjoy various Semarang culinary specialties, such as nasi gandul and nasi goreng babat, as well as visit the art gallery at Semarang Contemporary Art Gallery.
One of the iconic buildings in this area is the Blenduk Church, which is a popular photo spot for tourists who want to capture historical moments in Semarang.
Central Java is a province rich in historical and cultural heritage. From ancient temples, magnificent palaces, to historical museums, each historical tourist destination in Central Java offers a fascinating experience and enriches insight into Indonesian history.
Be sure to visit these places to get a deeper insight into the nation’s past and enjoy the beauty of the culture that is still preserved to this day.
