Solo

The huge pendopo of the Kraton Mangkunegara.

 
Sighted just 65 kilometers (40 miles) northeast of Yogyakarta, the city of Solo, formally known as Surakarta was also a center of power during the great Javanese kingdoms. Although larger than Yogya, Solo has more of a small town feel and is not as visited as its neighbor. Which is not to say there isn't plenty to see. The royal city boasts two palaces, and the surrounding countryside is home to some of Indonesia's more unusual ancient temples.

Historical Background

Surakarta's founding dates to 1745, the the susuhunan, Pakubuwono II, is said to have heard voices telling him the city of Solo was where the court should be established after the old capital of Kartsasura was sacked. It didn't work, as the kingdom crumbled within 10 years of the city's founding, the the susuhunan's own brother founding a court at Yogyakarta.

Sights of Solo

Kraton Surakarta

The older and more inportant of the city's two royal palaces is the Kraton Surakarta.

Kraton Mangkunegara

Established by a nephew of Surakarta's founder after a bitter dispute with the susuhunan, this smaller palace is perhaps the more interesting.

Pasar Triwindu

Solo's flea market is near the Kraton Mangkunegara, and worth a look even though much of what's on offer is probably junk.

Around Solo

Solo is a good for exploring the surrounding area. It would be entirely reasonable to take in sights as far away as the Prambanan on day trips from Solo. Here are the main things you may want to take in.

Candi Sukuh

A Mayan pyramid in Asia?

 
Tucked away in the mountains near Solo in central Java is one of the more interesting Hindu temples in all of Southeast Asia. The temple of Candi Sukuh is unique not only in overall design, but also in decoration. This place isn't exactly off the map. Its in all the guidebooks, but is definitely off the tourist trail. From the guest book kept by the gatekeeper, it appears that it only receives a dozen or so visitors a week. Even if you aren't very interested in the ancient structures of Southeast Asia, you may still want to have a look at Candi Sukuh.

Candi Seto

Further up the same mountain where Candi Sukuh is sited, is the temple of Candi Seto. Like Sukuh, Ceto is a fertility temple, but without much structure left to be seen. The view from the temple can be quite dramatic.

Sangiran

About 15 kilometers (10 miles) north of Solo is the archaeological excavation of Sangiran. This is where the prehistoric 'Java Man' was unearthed in 1936. A small museum is open on the site.