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.
Prince Mas Mochammad Arifin II founded the palace in 1529 as the center of the Sultanate of Cirebon after breaking away from the Sultanate of Demak. The royal line continues its descent to this day, with the family still occupying parts of the grounds.
The royal seat takes its name from Kasepuhan, meaning oldest or most senior, reflecting its status as the founding palace among Cirebon's kratons. Visitors today can observe daily rituals performed by palace staff who maintain centuries-old court protocols in the inner courtyards.
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 royal carriage Kereta Kencana Singa Barong displays an elephant head at the front, a lion face in the middle, and a dragon tail at the rear, merging three mythical creatures into one vehicle. The carriage was used only for major state occasions and now stands in its own hall within the museum complex.
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