Trowulan is located just 1 hour drive from Surabaya, and administratively located in Mojokerto Regency. Trowulan was first mentioned literature in 1814 by Thomas Stamford Raffles’ book, History of Java, derives from Trang and Wulan which means full moon light.Scientists coincide that Trowulan was the capital city on Majapahit Empire that reigned almost all over Indonesia from XII century until XV century.
As Hindu Kingdom, Majapahit built gates, temples or other ancient plant with Hindu characteristic though Buddhist influence in few remains can be seen also.
An Ancient Pool (Kolam Segaran) with a very big size of 375 m x 175 m made of 3.16 m x 1.6 m red brick can be seen still in a very good condition. According to local story, Majapahit King welcomed and entertained his guest from other kingdom beside the pool and the after having meal, king threw the china ware and silverware made of gold to the pool. Segaran name itself derives from Javanese, Segoro that means ocean, as this pool was considered as small ocean.
Bajang Ratu Temple located not far from Kolam Segaran. it is deemed to be a gate to Majapahit Kingdom, supported by the relief at the wings of the gate. The design is paduraksan type or gate conected with roof. Like other remain in this site, Bajang ratu temple was made of red brick. This temple was built to commemorate the death on King Jayanegara who was crowed as King (Javanese : ratu) in a very young age (Javanese :Bajang), 15 years old.
Tikus (Rat) Temple was a royal bathing place that was found in 1914. This temple depicted Mahameru miniature in its architecture. Water from four small temples are piped to Jaladwara along the foot of the temple . Mahameru, in Hindu belief is the source of water of life or Tirta Amerta, beside also as the center of the universe. Water from Tikus Temple in Majapahit Era was considered as holywater bu Hindu or Buddhist believers.
The biggest temple in this site is Brahu Temple. Although this temple is said to be the cremation of Brawijaya Kings, no evidence found to support this opinion. This temple also made of red brick like other temples, only it has Buddhist characteristic. Brahu derives from Wanaru or Warahu, a sacred building mentioned in an Alasantan inscription that was found adjacent to the temple when King Sindok reigned.In Vesak, annualy Buddhist gathered in front of this temple to commemorate the birth of Budha.
Other interesting attractions you can see here are Wringin Lawang Temple, Museum that displays artifacts found in Trowulan site, ancient sacred tomb, stone carving home industry and metal casting home industry.