Keraton Kasepuhan in Cirebon preserves the history of the Cirebon Sultanate with unique architecture, heritage museums, and rich cultural events.

Keraton Kasepuhan in Cirebon is one of the important and historical cultural heritages in Java. As the center of government of the Cirebon Sultanate in the past, this palace unites Sundanese and Javanese cultures, making it a site rich in historical and cultural value.

Located in the heart of Cirebon City, Keraton Kasepuhan is an ideal place for visitors who want to explore and learn about the history of the Cirebon Sultanate, see unique architecture, and feel the atmosphere of the past that can still be felt today.

A Brief History of the Kasepuhan Palace

Kasepuhan Palace was built in 1430 by Prince Cakrabuana, son of Prabu Siliwangi, King of Pajajaran. Initially, this palace was called Keraton Pakungwati, named after the daughter of Prince Cakrabuana, Queen Pakungwati.

Prince Cakrabuana then handed over this palace to his nephew, Sunan Gunung Jati, who continued the leadership and developed the palace as a center for Islamic preaching in Cirebon.

Sunan Gunung Jati also started a new history of the Cirebon Sultanate here, making this palace not only the center of government, but also the center for the spread of Islam.

The palace complex covers an area of approximately 25 hectares, consisting of various buildings that have their own functions and meanings. One of the first buildings you will encounter is Siti Hinggil, an area that means “high land.”

This building is made of red brick in the Majapahit architectural style, reflecting the Hindu-Buddhist influence of the previous Nusantara kingdoms.

As it developed, the Kasepuhan Palace adopted an architectural style with Islamic, Chinese, and European influences that are still visible in various ornaments today.

Main Attractions at Kasepuhan Palace

1. Main Gate of the Pangrawit Palace and Kreteg

One of the main attractions of Keraton Kasepuhan is its magnificent front gate. The palace complex has two main gates, namely Kreteg Pangrawit in the north and Lawang Sanga in the south. Kreteg Pangrawit is a historic bridge that takes visitors to the palace grounds.

After passing through the gate, visitors will arrive at the Pancaratna and Pancaniti buildings. Pancaratna is a building where important guests and village officials are received.

Meanwhile, Pancaniti, which means “superior street,” is a pendopo where military training was held for palace officers and a court in the past.

These two buildings provide a picture of the socio-political life in the Cirebon Sultanate, as well as exuding the beauty of typical palace architecture.

2. Rich and Diverse Architecture

Every corner of the building in Keraton Kasepuhan reflects a blend of various interesting architectural styles.

The structure of the palace building is dominated by white and red brick walls that reflect the classic Nusantara style. The influences of Majapahit, Islam, China, and the Netherlands are integrated in its design.

The interior of the palace is equipped with a distinctive pendopo and a king’s throne, where the Sultan of Cirebon used to sit when receiving guests.

In the front there is a green garden and trees that make the palace feel beautiful and calming. Every ornament and detail on the walls and gates of the palace has its own meaning that reflects the long history of this palace.

3. Festival and Cultural Parade Events

Keraton Kasepuhan is not only a historical place, but also the location for various cultural events that are held regularly. One of the most interesting events is the cultural parade or cultural procession, which is participated in by various districts around Cirebon.

Each region presents its own unique attractions, such as dance, music and traditional clothing, which provide insight into the richness of local culture.

In addition, Keraton Kasepuhan hosts various events such as the Nusantara Palace Festival, the Nusantara Mask Festival, and Grebeg Syawal. These events enrich the palace as a cultural center, where visitors can witness firsthand the diversity of Indonesian culture in one place.

4. Siti Hinggil Building

The Siti Hinggil building is one of the main structures in the palace complex. Located in the front area of the palace, this building has the meaning of “high ground” and functions as a place for the Sultan to watch various palace ceremonies or events.

Built with red brick in the Majapahit architectural style, Siti Hinggil consists of five buildings without walls that create an open atmosphere.

Malang Semirang, the main building in Siti Hinggil, has six supporting pillars that symbolize the pillars of faith in Islam.

The entire structure of this building shows the religious values held tightly by the Cirebon Sultanate, while also reflecting the strong influence of Islam in palace culture.

5. Palace Heritage Museum

The complex within the Kasepuhan Palace is equipped with a heritage museum that houses various historical relics.

The collection in this museum includes heirloom objects such as traditional weapons, musical instruments, and various palace ornaments. One of the most famous collections is the Singa Barong Carriage, a vehicle that was once used by Sunan Gunung Jati.

The Singa Barong Carriage has a unique shape with a blend of styles from three cultures: Indonesia, China, and India.

The carriage is decorated with carvings of a dragon as the head, a lion or tiger on the body, and an elephant’s trunk. Each element has a deep philosophical meaning and symbolizes the cultural harmony in Cirebon in the past.

Location, Entrance Ticket Prices and Access to Kasepuhan Palace

Kasepuhan Palace is located in the center of Cirebon City, precisely at Jl. Kasepuhan No.43, Kesepuhan, Lemahwungkuk District, Cirebon.

Its strategic location makes the palace easily accessible from various directions. Like other palaces in Java, Keraton Kasepuhan also faces the town square, with the Great Mosque of Sang Cipta Rasa to the west as a complement to the palace complex.

Entrance tickets to Keraton Kasepuhan are relatively affordable, priced at IDR 10,000 for students and IDR 15,000 for the general public.

The palace is open every day from 08.00 to 17.00 WIB. Visitors are advised to come in the morning or evening to enjoy the more comfortable and cool atmosphere of the palace.

Supporting Facilities at the Kasepuhan Palace

Keraton Kasepuhan provides complete facilities for visitors, including a parking area, toilets, a place of worship, and historical information available in the form of plaques and brochures.

If you want to get a deeper understanding, visitors can ask for help from officers who are ready to explain the history and culture of the palace.

Tips for Visiting the Kasepuhan Palace

1. Choose the Right Time

It is recommended to visit in the morning or evening to avoid the hot sun and enjoy a cooler atmosphere.

2. Wear Comfortable Clothes

The expansive palace complex requires a lot of walking, so wear comfortable clothes and suitable shoes for exploring the area.

3. Respect Historical and Cultural Values

Considering that this palace is a historical site, visitors are expected to respect existing regulations, not damage facilities, and maintain environmental cleanliness.

Keraton Kasepuhan in Cirebon is a tourist destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and architectural beauty.

With a variety of attractions such as heritage museums, unique architecture, and regularly held cultural events, this palace provides a valuable experience for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of the Cirebon Sultanate.

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