Built
in 1756 by Sultan Hamengku Buwono I,
today the Keraton is the residence of Sultan
Hamengku Buwono X and his family as well
as a center of Javanese traditional arts
and culture. All the buildings, courts,
carvings and trees and even their locations
within the 14,000 sq. m. Keraton have deep
philosophical meanings and are symbolic
of human life. The palace, the Tugu Monument
and Mount Merapi are positioned in one line,
forming a sacred axis. In the old times,
the Sultan concentrated his mind along this
axis before leading meetings, making decisions
or giving orders to his people.
Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere
of the Keraton as it was centuries ago.
Daily activities open to the public include
gamelan music, Javanese poetry readings,
court dances, and puppet shows designed
to preserve the ancient arts. Many sets
of gamelan instruments, antiques, batiks
and heirlooms make the Sultan's Palace one
of the most interesting tourist sites in
Jogjakarta.