Kraton or Sultan Palace is located in the center of Yogyakarta, more than 200 years ago, this site was a swamp called Umbul pacetokan, and the later built by Prince Mangkubumi to be a residential building named Ayodya. In 1955, Giyanti Treaty occurred that separated Mataram to be two parts : Kasunanan Surakarta regned by Sunan Pakubuwono III and Kasultanan Ngayogyakarta under the authority of Pangeran Mangkubumi that later titled as Sultan Hamengkubuwono I.
Ayodya then erected as Kraton Kasultanan Yogyakarta, Sultan Palace. This palace stand beautifully facing north with the north, with the front yard called Alun-alun (square) that in the pass was used to gather people, warriors exercise, and where custom ceremony held. On the fringe of North Alun-alun, located front veranda called Pagelaran, where Sri Sultan, royal family and the officials watch warriors exercise or ceremonial events.
On the yard also located a higher area where there is a royal audience hall or Siti Hinggil, that is named as Manguntur Tangkil. From here visitors can see the court room situation in the pass that is demonstrated by mannequins in Javanese outfit. Palace is the center of government and also residence of Sultan and his royal family, separated with Kemandungan north as the front yard or Keben yard. At the yard grown a tree stated as the Peace Symbol, to celebrate International Environment day.
Inside Kraton, there is Sri Manganti yard, Bangsal Traju Mas and Bangsal Sri Menganti. Sri Manganti yard with Danapratopo that was guarded by couple Dwarapala ; Cingkarabala and Bala Upata. Bangsa Sri Menganti now is utilized to display old gamelan orchestra. Inside the core yard located Bangsal Prabayekso and then Bansal Manis where Sri Sultan entertain his guests, Kasatriyan as residence for Sultan’s children that are not married yet. The latter mentioned, Keraton core area, is not allowed for visitors.
Sometimes visitors can see gamelan played with dancers or even man singing Javanese song accompanied by slow galeman music.
Kraton is the source of arts of Javanese culture, that can be seen from its architecture and ornaments. Opens everyday from 8.30 am to 1 pm, and Friday only opens until 11 am.
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