- Address: Patehan, Kraton, Yogyakarta City, 55133, Indonesia
- Date of construction: 1765.
- Working hours: daily, from 9:00 to 15:00
Taman Sari - "water palace", or "castle on the water" - one of the most famous sights of Yogyakarta . Despite the fact that today the Sultan's palace is in a partially destroyed state, many tourists come to admire them regularly.
Taman Sari Palace is part of the picturesque palace complex of Yogyakarta, which since 1995 is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A bit of history
The construction of the palace began in 1758, during the reign of Khamengkubvono I - the first sultan of Jogjakarta. The authors of the project were Portuguese architects from the city of Batavia. There is a legend that in 1765, when the construction was completed, the Sultan (already another, his son) ordered the execution of the architects who supervised the construction, so that the location of the many hidden passages and rooms remained a secret for all but the sultan himself.
In 1812, when British colonial forces invaded these lands, part of the buildings were destroyed, and many of the lands were occupied by local people for their own buildings.
In 1867, as a result of the earthquake, the palace again suffered. At that time, it was no longer used. Restoration of the complex was completed in the early 70's of the last century, and only a part of it was restored.
The architecture of the complex
The entire territory of the palace complex can be conditionally divided into 4 parts:
- Western - with a large artificial lake and located on it islands with pavilions;
- central, with a bath complex;
- east - with a small lake;
- southern (with gazebos and swimming pools).
In total there were 59 buildings on the territory of the palace. In the architectural style of buildings noticeably felt the Portuguese influence.
The palace had a complex sewage system; artificial lake "nourished" and pools, and fountains. It was meant for concubines too: while they were swimming, watching the sultan from the window of the tower, he could choose with whom of the lovely bathers he wanted to spend tonight.
The Eastern and Western gates that lead to the complex have been restored; Eastern today is the main entrance to the palace territory. The territory is very green - its name is Taman Sari, which translates as "a beautiful garden", the palace was deservedly deserved.
The underground mosque was also preserved. Previously, it was hidden by the waters of the lake, and it was possible to get into it only through underground tunnels. Today the lake has dried up.
Events in the Palace
On weekends and holidays, twice a day - in the morning and in the evening - the traditional Indonesian puppet shadow theater is held on the territory of the palace.
How to get to the complex?
You can get to Taman Sari by Transjogja buses №№ 3A and 3B. You should get off at Jl stop. MT Haryono, from which the palace will have to pass about 300 m more. The cost of visiting Taman Sari is about $ 1.2. The palace is open seven days a week, from 9:00 to 15:00.