Palace Kasepuhan, Royal palace in Cirebon, Indonesia
Palace Kasepuhan is a kraton in central Cirebon, Indonesia, serving as both a royal residence and a public museum. The complex includes several white pavilions with carved wooden columns, a raised throne hall, and manicured inner courtyards connected by low walls and open galleries.
Two complexes make up the site: Dalem Agung Pakungwati, founded in 1430 by Prince Cakrabuana, and the Pakungwati palace, built in 1529 by Prince Mas Zainul Arifin. The palace was renamed Kasepuhan after Ratu Dewi Pakungwati, daughter of Cakrabuana and wife of Sunan Gunung Jati, who died in 1549. The Siti Inggil raised courtyard was added in 1529 during Sunan Gunung Jati's reign.
The name Kasepuhan means "the oldest", marking this as the senior palace among Cirebon's kratons. In the Siti Inggil enclosure, the gamelan set is played only twice a year, at Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, from the Mande Karasemen pavilion where the gamelan escorts once stayed. The Singa Barong coach is brought out each 1 Syawal to be washed.
The grounds sit within walking distance of Cirebon's main market and are accessible through wide entrance gates that lead to shaded courtyards. Visitors should wear modest clothing, as certain areas of the palace are still used for royal ceremonies.
The Singa Barong carriage is kept in its own hall and is brought out once a year, on 1 Syawal, to be washed. It is no longer used for travel; a modern duplicate carriage takes its place on official occasions.
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