IMOGIRI
Imogiri is the official cemetery of the royal descendents
from Yogyakarta and Surakarta. This cemetery located on a beautiful
hill about 12 km from Yogyakarta. The royal graveyard is reachable
by 345 stone steps leading to it. Imogiri is about 17 km Southeast
of Yogyakarta and easily accessible by the bus of car. The tombs
are built within three main courtyards. This Graveyard is the tomb
of Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo, the third king of the Islamic Mataram
Kingdom. All the kings of the Mataram Kingdom, from Sultan Hamengku
Buwono I until Hamengku Buwono IX and their families as the Surakarta
Kingdoms as well were all buried at the Imogiri Royal Cemetery.
This cemetery was built in 1645. Everyday many
people visit Imogiri and step up on 345 stairs to reach the top
of the hill where the tomb of the kings rested. Entry into the smaller
courtyards housing the tombs of the princes is allowed, but the
tomb can only be visited only on Monday 09.00 - 12.00 and Friday
13.00 - 16.00. The visitors must wear the traditional Javanese dress,
which however can be hired on the spot at a modest fee. The cemetery
is closed during the Moslem month of Ramadhan. |