A Time at Kotagede, Yogyakarta

As the former capital of 'Mataram Islam' Kingdom, 'Kotagede', which is located on the south east of the current Yogyakarta City, has many heritage buildings. No wonder people keep coming and visiting this historical Town almost every day. The most popular building in the Town is still 'Masjid Gede Mataram Kotagede'. Not only for sightseeing and exploration, this place is also famous for pre-wedding photo taking. Then don't be surprised when you explore the complex, you will see two to three couples taking their photos.

To explore the Masjid is free of charge, but if we want to explore the 'sendhang' (traditional pools) and the Royal's cemetary, we need to pay as we wish (they do not charge us a certain amount of money).

  

Not only the 'Masjid', we can also explore the surrounding 'kampongs'. In terms of settlement, the 'kampongs' are typically different from other 'kampongs' in Yogyakarta City. The houses tend to resemble the style of Javanese-colonial architecture as shown in the following pictures. And it is totally free to explore the narrow 'gangs' (paths) and take pictures. 

If we come here by motorbike, we need to park it on the north side of the 'Masjid's' front gate, then we can explore the area as we wish. Happy exploring the current 'Old Town' of Mataram!