Located some 60 km east of Yogjakarta, Solo (Surakarta) was once the heart of the Mataram Kingdom. Its predominance was challenged by Yogjakarta, when the Mataram Kingdom split into two in the late 18th century, with the court in Yogjakarta gaining control over half of the kingdom. Yogjakarta never looked back since then. A quieter sister city of Yogjakarta, Solo nonetheless still rivals Yogjakarta as the "soul" of Java and remains a centre of Javanese culture and art.
The prime attractions in Solo are the Keraton (the Sultan's palace) and the Istana Mangkunegaran (palace used by the Sultan's extended family). A fire 25 years ago destroyed much of the Keraton, though some structures of the inner palace were rebuilt. The musuem there that houses precious artwork and heirlooms of the royal family.
The tower in the background is a restricted area used by the Sultan for mediation.
The Solo court has traditionally been close to the Netherlands. Statues like this are plentiful at the Keraton.
A gold-plated artwork depicting a traditional Javanese marriage at the Keraton musuem.
Like the Keraton, the Istana houses a musuem, where exhibits such as prized kris and spiked genital covers are displayed. Part of the personal quarters at the Istana are open to the public, allowing the visitor to get a closer glimpse into the life of the royalty.
Charming garden ...
...
with a friendly royal parrot
Guest room at the Istana ....
... with a elaborately-crafted tusk
The Istana musuem
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