Mangkunegaran Palace — Attraction in Surakarta

The front yard of the palace is not really that interesting. But when you pass the main gate and look to your right (east) you'll see an old building with signs of '1874' and 'Kavallerie-Artillerie' written on its frontal side. Maybe this building is the headquarters of the famous Legiun Mangkunegaran? Or just an ordinary Dutch garrison I guess.

The inside of the palace, however, is quite grandeur and somewhat a combination of Javanese-European architecture. Perhaps Pura Mangkunegaran is the most European looking palace of the four palaces in the Vorstenlanden area (Yogyakarta-Surakarta-Mangkunegara-Paku Alam). And also I think it's because the current state of the palace complex were built in 1866, hence the '1866' written under the Mangkunegara coat of arms at the entrance to the inner pavilion (Pendopo Dalem) to denote the creation or renovation of the palace.

Mangkunegara as an institution was founded around 1757 as a result of the Treaty of Giyanti in 1755 that divided Mataram Sultanate into two monarchies (Yogyakarta and Surakarta). Mangkunegara was once a territory of Surakarta. Mangkunegara (if I recall correctly) holds a power and influence similar to that of a duke in English monarchy. It's in the same status with Paku Alam which founded in 1813 from Yogyakarta.

Nowadays, Mangkunegara along with Surakarta only holds symbolic and cultural influence on Java as a result of a social movement that demands the abolition of monarchy across the country in the period of Indonesian National Revolution (1945-1949). While Yogyakarta and Paku Alam still retain its political power with special status to this day.

Anyway, with about 20k Rupiah (domestic tourists) you can explore this magnificent palace and learn its history and culture while being guided by a tour guide. It's...

This is my 2nd time visit Pracima Tuin, Mangkunegaran Solo. The vibe is still the same : Awesomely Fascinating.

Note this before you make reservation: Visit reservation link on their official instagram Make Reservation via Chope Better come before your choosen time Do not wear batik with 'parang' pattern Minimal spend IDR 100 K / person All menu subject to VAT 10% and Service 3% Payment methods (cash, QR code, debit, credit) Restaurant's admin will chat you via Whatsapp on the D-Day as reminder. 90 minutes for dine in. and free time outside restaurant you can take some photos inside / outside restaurant dress properly, no slippers

When you arrive: Show message from pracima admins to the concierge Patiently waiting until they call your name (there are restroom & bench, no worries) They will ask you to follow them to the entrance If its busy days (weekend) usually you will asked to wait a minutes inside the garden Then you will asked to follow them entering the restaurant, they already prepare the table based on the number of the guests.

My fave photo spot (you have to go to this section) Rest room : awesome rest room, clean and fragrance Fountain Outside resto, with whole building as your background

Perfect time to visit : 2 pm - dinner time.

Taste : 4 of 5 Cleanliness : 5/5 Environtment : 5/5 Price compare with the taste : 4/5

I hope they add more traditional desert menu

My fave menu: Es dawet selasih Sate buntel sereh Iga goreng Kroket daging Bestik...

From Pasar trivindu, we made our way, we basically walked to Mangkunegaran Palace. Plastic bag given for putting our shoes and we carrying it throughout the palace, while at the same time, listening and following the local guide provided by Mangkunegaran Palace. Mangkunegaran Palace? Alright. No questions and no two ways about it. Impressive combination of traditional Javanese architecture and European influence interior and Palace? Palace, any palace for the matter, should hold many, many years history (Copenhagen & Kochi)? You are right and we trying our utmost best in digesting the facts narrated by the guide, or shall I say after some time, listening didn’t matter. Mangkunegaran Palace, also known as Pura Mangkunegaran Palace, dating from 1757, and still accommodating the royal family till this day, was built through a long history under the rule of Mangkunegaran I and do I have to say that housing the royal family collection and all things correlated? These collection can be seen in the royal halls, in each section, as well as along the corridors leading in and out of the courtyards and garden. Honestly guys, given a choice, I would have skipped Mangkunegaran Palace because I doubt it would have been a major lost to my travelling gram. Then again? What should I say? Mangkunegaran Palace listed as a must explore and...