Tamansari Watercastle

Tamansari, meaning perfumed garden, is the name for the gardens and associated structures built in 1765 for Hamengku Buwono I, the sultan of the kingdom of Yogyakarta. The grounds spread over 12,600 acres and included a series of water gardens, pools, and artificial lakes, as well as a collection of 59 buildings. Among the most notable features of the landscape were a mosque, a fort, a meditation space, and a series of underground tunnels connecting the structures. Man-made islands surrounded by water were another highlight of the gardens. The project’s chief architect, Tumenggung Mangundipura, had reputedly studied western architectural styles in Dutch-occupied Batavia, now Jakarta, and infused his work with both eastern and western concepts. The garden complex was ultimately abandoned by the royal family, and has since been settled by local residents, who now occupy the grounds.

Location of the Castle is only about 0.5 km south of Sultan Palace. The architect of this building is Portuguese, so fleeting as if this building has the art of European architecture which is very powerful, symbolic meanings in addition to Java will be retained. But if we observe, meaning more dominant element of building Java in here. Castle built during the first lane or around the end of XVII century AD Castle is not just a royal park, but this building is a complex consisting of swimming baths, water canals, special rooms and a large pool (when open water canals).

Section - the Castle:


• The Sacred
Castle sacred part of a building is shown with a somewhat aloof. This room consists of a building to function as a place of hermitage Sultan and his family.

• The Swimming Baths
This section is the part that is used for the Sultan and his family have fun. This section consists of two ponds are separated by a terraced building. Pool water out of a typical animal-shaped shower. Building this pool is very unique with large pots therein.

• The Island Boxwood
This section consists of several buildings of the island of Pulau Kenanga or whip, Gemuling wells, and underground passageways.

Island or Pulau Kenanga whip is a tall building that serves as a place to rest, as well as a lookout. This is the only building that will be visible if the open water canals and water commemorate this Kenanga Island region. Mentioned that when viewed from above, the building as if a lotus flower in the middle of a very large pond.

Wells Gemuling is a circular building is shaped like a well in which there are rooms that reputedly formerly functioned as a place of prayer.

Meanwhile alleys in this area before it is said to function as a secret passageway that connects the Castle to the Palace of Yogyakarta. There's even a legend that says that this passage through to the south coast and is a way for the Sultan of Yogyakarta to meet with Nyai Roro Kidul is said to be wives for kings Yogayakarta Sultanate. This section is a part that serves as a place of defense or protection for the family of Sultan if at any time there is an attack from the enemy.

Castle is a pretty interesting place to visit. Besides the location is not too far from the Sultan's Palace which is the main attractions of this city, Castle has several features. Castle among other specialty lies in building itself is relatively intact and well maintained environment that strongly supports its existence as a tourist attraction.

In the neighborhood mosque Castle can be found Saka Tunggal which has one pole. Although the mosque was built in XX century, but its uniqueness can still be an asset to this dikompleks. In addition, Castle district with its Tamam village is very famous for his batik craft. We can shop and saw firsthand the making of batik-batik in the form of paintings or convection. Castle Village is well known that a lot of requests from both foreign tourists and tourist archipelago. Not far from the Castle, can be found Ngasem market which is a traditional market and the biggest bird market in Yogyakarta. Some supporters of the attraction is what makes Castle became one of the tourist destination of Yogyakarta Sultan's Palace.

When we look up, the blue sky will greet us. The sounds of bird that came from settlements in Taman Sari area will add the serene atmosphere.

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