Kotagede

Kota Gede, once the site of a palace built in the late 1500s and early 1600s for the rulers of Mataram, now holds remnants steeped in legend and myth. Though much of the palace has crumbled, remnants like the Royal Graveyard and sections of its walls endure.

Today, Kota Gede exists as a suburb within Yogyakarta, part of the city’s expansion in the late 20th century. It gained attention for its silver workers, especially after Indonesian independence in the 1940s.

Locally known as Pasar Gede in higher Javanese, Kota Gede retains significance as the Royal Graveyard. Here lie important figures connecting Mataram to earlier kingdoms, their positioning within symbolizing lineage. Guarded by Juru Kunci, appointed by Yogyakarta and Surakarta palaces, the site remains a tangible link to Java’s rich history.