Istana Gebang, Former presidential residence in Blitar City, Indonesia.
Istana Gebang is a palace complex in Blitar, Java, made up of a main residence, an arts building, a guesthouse, and staff quarters. The buildings are spread across open grounds and feature traditional Indonesian architectural details throughout.
The palace was built during the Dutch colonial period and is known as the childhood home of Sukarno, Indonesia's first president. He grew up here before going on to lead the country's independence movement.
The Gedung Seni, the arts hall on the grounds, is used for traditional Javanese performances that visitors can watch in person. It gives local artists a dedicated space to present their work to the public.
The complex sits close to central Blitar and can be reached on foot from most points in the city center. The buildings are connected by open walkways, so comfortable shoes make the visit easier.
A large old tree stands in the center of the brick-paved courtyard, and its size directly shaped how the surrounding paths and terraces were laid out. The paving around it was designed to leave room for its roots rather than covering them.
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