In Indonesia, there is an unusual settlement Surakarta (Surakarta), whose unofficial name is Solo. It is also called "a city that never sleeps." It belongs to the province of Central Java and is located on the island of the same name .
How did the city develop?
The history of Surakarta began after the death of the Muslim Sultan Demak, when an internecine war took place in the country. In 1744 Sultan Pakubnovno II came to power, who was looking for a new and safe place for his residence. His choice fell on the nearest village of Solo, which for a year was rebuilt and turned into a capital.
At the end of the winter of 1745 the city of Surakarta was founded. After Indonesia gained independence from the colonialists, the settlement was included in the country, but it had a special status. During the Second World War, the Dutch again captured the island of Java, along with all the cities. The region was completely liberated from the invaders in 1949 on August 7.
Since that time in the old quarter of the city remained a large number of aristocratic houses and palaces, where the sultans lived. Many of them are destroyed by time and people, and other buildings still retain their greatness and acquaint travelers with Javanese architecture of the XVIII century and the life of monarchs.
general information
The area of the village is 46.01 sq. M. km, and the number of indigenous people - 499,337 people. The city received its name because of the round-the-clock work of local merchant trucks and food stalls.
In one of the remote regions of Surakarta there are pavilions closed for visiting. Today Sultan Susukhanan is living here with his family. The ruler professes Islam, therefore the center of the Muslim conservatism of Java is concentrated here. True, the indigenous people adhere to the traditional religion, in which there are gods of the sea, demons and spirits of ancestors.
Weather in the village
The city is located on a flat flat terrain and is at an altitude of 105 m above sea level. It is surrounded by active volcanoes : Merapi , Merbabu and Lava . Through Surakarta, there is the longest river on the island - Bengawan Solo.
In the village the tropical monsoon climate prevails. The rainy season lasts from October to June. The average annual precipitation is 2,200 m, and the air temperature ranges from + 28 ° C to + 32 ° C.
What to see in the city?
Surakarta is rightly considered the center of Javanese traditionalism and cultural and historical identity. This is the least westernized settlement on the island. Various extremist groups are formed here.
Most tourists coming to the city want to see the craton (keraton) - the ancient palace of the monarchs. It is a fortified residence, built in the Javanese style in 1782. On the top floor of the building is a meditation room (it is called Panggung Songgo Buvono), in which the sultans communicated with the God of the Seven Seas. Visit the institution can be every day, except Friday, from 08:30 to 13:00.
Surakarta is also famous for such sights :
- Museum Batik Danar Hadi Cetho Temple is a museum of Batika, which is part of the famous fabric company.
- Sukuh Temple - the ruins of an ancient temple, surrounded by scenic landscapes.
- Sriwedari Park is a modern amusement park with water attractions.
- Pandawa Water World - a local water park.
- Astana Giribangun is the burial place of the rulers of the country and the city.
- Museum Radya Pustaka is a specialized museum where you can get acquainted with the culture of the island of Java.
- Bengawan Solo - a pond, the coast of which is equipped with places for rest .
- Cluster Dayu Prehistoric Museum is a historical museum with interactive exhibits. Visitors here are shown a documentary, its plot covers the period from the XVIII to the XXI century.
- St. Antonius Church Purbayan is a Catholic church, which is the oldest in the village.
- Pura Mangkunegaran - an architectural monument, where for tourists conduct informative excursions . You will be told about the life and traditions of Aboriginal people.
Near Surakarta are active volcanoes, which in good weather can go up tourists. In 15 km from the city is located the settlement of Sangiran. Here, the remains of a fossil were found, which are the oldest on our planet. They can be seen in the archaeological museum of the city.
Where to stay?
In Surakarta, more than 70 hotels have been built . You can settle in both a luxury hotel and a budget guesthouse. The most popular institutions are:
- Alila Solo offers an outdoor swimming pool, a wellness center, a children's room and a nightclub.
- WARISAN Heritage Resort & Resto - there are suites for honeymooners, a massage room, parking and a tour desk.
- D1 Apartment - apartments with a shared kitchen, sun terrace, car and bike rental.
- The Garden Suites is a two-star hotel with a restaurant, internet, luggage storage, a mini market and a garden.
- Rumah Turi Eco Boutique Hotel - The hotel has a laundry, dry cleaning and spa. Services for people with disabilities are provided.
Where to eat?
In the city there are many different cafes, bars and pubs. It serves both local traditional dishes and international cuisine. The most popular catering establishments in Surakarta are:
- Hikaru Dining - Japanese restaurant where sushi is prepared;
- Conejo Mexican Fusion - here you can try Mexican cuisine;
- Cafe Tiga Tjeret - Asian fast food;
- Bebek Goreng H. Slamet - the institution serves national dishes of Indonesia ;
- Lazy Cow Restaurant - steak high with Italian cuisine.
Shopping
In the city there are 2 large markets: Pasar Gede, where they sell the batik, and Trivinda, where you can buy inexpensive antiques. At local artisans tourists buy products from silver, wood, fabrics, etc. For original souvenirs and delicacies go to the department stores Gede Solo Market, Roti Mandarijn and Solo Paragon Mall.
How to get to Surakarta?
In the city there is an airport , a railway station and a bus station that connect the major cities of the island. You can get here by car along the routes: Jl. Raya Gawok, Jl. Desa Gedongan and Jalan Baki-Solo or Jl. Raya Solo.