KOTAGEDE YOGYAKARTA
Kotagede Yogyakarta Time to Hunt Silver Crafting and Classic and Historical Building
Kotagede Yogyakarta is a historic administrative subdistrict in Yogyakarta. It keeps the remains of the first capital of Mataram Sultanate which established in 16th century. Some of them are the Mataram Royal Cemetery, the royal palace, defensive walls, moats, and the royal mosque. International world knew this Kotagede for its silver crafting. It’s true indeed. But while you can hunt for their beautiful silver crafting, don’t lose the focus also to historical building and classic houses around the area. If you are lucky enough you can also witnessing cultural events held in the village such as traditional dances, shadow puppet, karawitan, and many more. Tasting Yogyakarta’s food and traditional culinary is also what we recommend for you.
About Kotagede
Kotagede was a forest named Mentaok. Until in 16th Century, Ki Ageng Pemanahan (ruler of Islamic Kingdom of Pajang) opened the forest and established settlement that he named after his title ‘Ki Gedhe Mataram’ means the Lord of Mataram. After Ki Ageng Pemanahan died, his son Sutawijaya continued the development. Sutawijaya then conquer surrounding kingdom near Mataram and make Kotagede as the capital city. The name Kotagede was used to show that Kotagede is a great city. During this time, it was fortified with walls.
By the end of 19th century, transportation and economy improved in Kotagede. Along with it, this place started to produce silverware. Since then, Kotagede is popular for the best silver craft in Yogyakarta and nowadays it becomes a tourist center where many historical relics of Mataram Sultanate are still found such as the great mosque, Mataram cemetery, fort, and many more.
Kotagede Jogja Tourist Attraction and Surroundings
There are many spots you should not missed to visit. The splendor architectural of its buildings, as well as the artistic aspect of the village cannot be hidden. Admire the beauty of Yogyakarta and Java tradition. Plus, you will find many interesting things if you take our cycling or walking tour Kotagede. Here it is some Kotagede tourist attractions:
Kotagede Mataram Royal Cemetery
Kotagede Mataram Royal Cemetery is a must visit place. There is no entrance fee and it is the place where the rulers of Mataram buried. The building uses brick as its walls. Architecture is similar to temple building in Bali. To enter the main cemetery you need to change clothes with the one available in the place. You need to wear Javanese traditional clothes.
The Great Mosque Kotagede
Beside the cemetery, the Great Mosque Kotagede is the next place to go in kotagede. The Javanese architecture can be seen very well, shows that this building belongs to Keraton Yogyakarta. Dominated by the dark green color which is the icon color of yogyakarta.
Kotagede Silvercraft
There are many silver craft shops in this area. Every shops sell high quality silver craft. You can find rings, necklaces, earrings, and other items such as home decoration, tea set, and many other. You can also join the silver craft class. Sounds interesting isn’t it?
Legi Market
This is the only traditional market in the nearby area. Legi Market still operated until now and become the support of the lives of the people in Kotagede. This market becomes crowded in Legi day in Javanese calendar.
Traditional Houses
As a part of unique tour in Yogyakarta, it is not strange if in Kotagede you see traditional houses. Starting from Joglo building, Pesik House, Langgar Dhuwur (a family mushola that build rather high compared to other building nearby).
Monggo Chocolate Factory
One of popular tourist destination around Kotagede is the Monggo Chocolate Factory. Monggo is original chocolate brand from Yogjakarta. It is unique because there are many flavors such as mango, rendang, ginger, white chocolate and many other strange flavors available. In the factory you can see also how the chocolate is made and packed. Curious enough to know?
Kotagede Alleyways
Other uniqueness in Kotagede is the narrow alleyways. Nobody knows why the alleyways in Kotagede are made very narrow. Some of them even just enough for one person. Whether this is intentional or not, the explanation is never certain. The one that certain is it will be very fun for you to pass these small alleys by cycling tour Kotagede. You can stop at some ancient and classic houses or buildings that you meet interesting.
Kotagede Yogyakarta Tour Entrance Fee
Since it is an area and village, there is no entrance fee. Tourist can easily come. This Kotagede Yogyakarta tour will not give more burden to the plan and cost.
Kotagede Yogyakarta Tours Opening Hours
It is a 24 hours area since it is a village. You can go here whenever you want. But the best time we recommend of course in the morning where you can take our Kotagede Cycling Tours and tasting culinary around the area. And you can shop freely too before the stalls are closed.
Get to Kotagede Jogja
Kotagede is not so far from Malioboro Street. It is easily reached by any kind of transportation. You can use bus (TransJogja), taxi, car rent, or our motorbike rent. You can also use traditional transportation such as Andong (a cart drawn by horse) or Becak. Other transportation you can use is bicycle. To rent it you can contact Pamitran Tours. Cycling in Kotagede is very relaxing moreover in the morning. Make sure you contact us for this. Or you can also take our Kotagede cycling tour all over. In this tour we will escort you to some popular Kotagede’ sites. This way your vacation here is more secure and certain.
Recommended To Do
We recommend you to join our Kotagede Walking Tour to get to know well about Yogyakarta and specifically this Kotagede area. Or, join the Kotagede Cycling Tour in Pamitran Tours where you can get around Kotagede Yogyakarta tour while cycling casually. Our tour guide will also escort you to get to know more about the local people. You can chat with them and taking pictures or snapshot the buildings you know you like.
