There is a concern related to the development of cities in Indonesia that is felt toward the direction of a uniform and did not show regional characteristics of each. Construction of various tools of modern business-like malls, apartments, office buildings, etc.-in different regions shows that cities in the region have a tendency to be similar to large cities that already adopted a metropolitan culture. The desire to get high revenue making the city manager is very open to the entry of capital, without caring that the capital could be eroded locality.

That kind of worries that the mayor submitted Solo Joko Widodo during a speech in the discussion "Solo Finding Identity" in Hall Soedjatmoko, Solo, on May 21, 2009. By Joko Widodo, every city should have their respective characteristics to visitors coming to a city can be enjoyed both studying peculiarities of the city. For this reason, each town must have a blueprint for urban development for decades to come. Blueprints of this kind is being sought by the city of Solo Joko so that the city has a clear distinction with other cities. Through this long-term plan, expected Solo could have a clear positioning and differentiation with other cities.

There is an interesting statement from Joko Widodo, especially about the concept of positioning and differentiation diungkapnya city. The term "positioning" and "differentiation", a term that comes from the realm of marketing. Positioning concept associated with the process of making a product that occupies a unique and different from other products in the minds of audiences. Positioning is closely associated with differentiation, namely the process of making a product has a clear distinction with other products. To be able to find the right positioning, a product must have high differentiation. The higher the difference between one product with another product, the more easily positioning a product in the minds of audiences.

The use of the concept of positioning and differentiation by Joko Widodo, when discussing the identity or the identity of the city of Solo who want to build, indicate that marketing mindset is fundamental thought behind the effort to establish the identity of Solo. Solo need to have a blueprint that defines his identity-which automatically makes it different from other cities, so that city can be "marketed" to investors or tourists. The main mindset is: in order to "marketable", Solo as a product must have the differentiation with other cities so that the positioning of Solo in the minds of tourists and investors become clear.

Finding, forming, and then highlight the identity of a city to market the city is certainly not a mistake. However, modern urban management requires tourism ante investment and healthy growth. That's what the city needed a good marketing concepts, including branding and positioning. In the framework of marketing, of course not wrong if a city highlight a unique identity expressed in various domains, such as aristektur and urban planning, cultural activities, or certain values.

However, to keep in mind, the excavation and the protrusion of the identity of a city should not be done solely for marketing the city. The identity of a city needs to dig and find a collective effort of remembering for the citizens about the nature of the process of getting them, or in the Javanese culture is often termed the sangkan paraning dumadi. However, the process of remembering is not to be merely a formality nostalgia. Taking opinions Suprapto Suryodarmo artists in Discussion "Solo Finding Identity", extracting the identity of a city should be a foundation that paved the spirit of creativity or the creation of citizens.

Suprapto hopes, digging back Javanese culture as the identity of Solo can be an inspiration for the citizens of the city to create new cultural forms-oriented future. In the process of this kind, a kind of transformation: identity-oriented past utilized as a material to create cultural products that look far into the future. The identity of the goods not be dead, but as an inspiration to keep the new cultures that created not forget the origin initially.

A cultural transformation in a society that rests on the identity of these communities will produce new cultural forms are progressive, but at the same time "do not forget the mainland." In the face of globalization promoted transnational capitalism that brought gelontoran new cultural forms, extracting the identity of the city can become a shield that makes us not blinded by the glitter of foreign cultures. Although not necessarily be overdefensif against foreign culture, understanding their own identity can be lambaran that ensures we do not lose ground and dissolved in the euphoria of "global culture" that is sometimes ideological and destroy it.

Surakarta is not the old city (founded in 1745) but has a great historical role. The city was once the seat of government at the end of the Sultanate of Mataram. After the split of Mataram, became the center of government Kasunanan Surakarta Surakarta and Mangkunegaran. If withdrawn further, the two central Javanese feudalism had relationship with Majapahit, as are the descendants of the Mataram dynasty of kings of the Sultanate of Demak, which is also a dynastic succession successor Wijaya, the founder of Majapahit.

During its development, Solo became an important trading town (in Solo stood Sarekat Islamic Trade in 1905), city tour (dubbed the "city of pleasure", with a somewhat negative connotation), and cultural city. Historic buildings, art products, special food, and entertainment easily found in these locations and at points around the city.

Recreation Place Tours
Culture Travelling at Solo - Surakarta City

* Keraton Surakarta
* Istana Mangkunagaran
* Museum Radyapustaka
* Museum Galeri Batik Kuno Danarhadi
* Kampung Wisata Batik Kauman Solo
* Museum Lukis Dullah
* Candi Prambanan Klaten
* Balai Sujatmoko toko Gramedia (tempat even pameran kesenian)
* Galeri ASDI, Jl. Slamet Riyadi
* Taman Sriwedari
* Taman Budaya Jateng di Surakarta (TBS)/ Teater Arena).
* Pasar Barang antik Triwindu.
* Pasar Iwak Hias (pasar gedhe)
* Pasar Keris dan Cenderamata Alun-Alun Utara Kraton Solo.
* Pasar Klewer (Pasar Batik terbesar di Indonesia)
* Kasar barang klithikan NItiharjo Silir Semanggi
* Kampung batik laweyan
* Pasar buku kuno di Alun-alun Utara Kraton Solo

Natural Recreation Place at SOlo city Tours

* Tawangmangu (Puncak-nya Solo, berudara dingin, dengan air terjun 80 meter, tracking, tempat istirahat)
* Kompleks Makam Mangkunegaran di Makam Presiden Suharto & Istri di Mengadeg, Matesih, Karanganyar
* Selo (Di gunung Merapi-Merbabu)
* Kebun Binatang Jurug
* Jumok (air terjun dan tempat peristirahatan)
* Museum purbakala Sangiran
* Waduk Gajahmungkur Wonogiri
* SSB (Solo Selo Borobudur).
* Candi Cetho, patung Dewi Sri, dan Tea-walk di Kemuning, Karanganyar
* Candi Sukuh
* Hutan Jati Krendhowahono Wonogiri
* Luweng Ombo Wonogiri
* Bekonang (suasana Pedesaan)
* Nonton Pesawat Terbang, gunung Merbabu dan Merapi(lap terbang Adisumarmo)
* Waduk Cengklik

Culinary tours

The important thing to consider when traveling is food. Solo has a good place to eat and cheap, even this city have got the name of culinary city. Various foods, either modern or traditional available in the city solo.

You can find a good place to eat and cheap in front of Solo Wholesale Centre, when the late afternoon. This place was designed specifically for culinary tourism and penjajanya an option. Elsewhere in Keprabon to Rice Field Near liwet and western cities for a variety of cuisines.


Go to Solo
Surakarta is located at the junction between the south route and the path of Java, Semarang-Madison, which makes its strategic position as a transit city. Track railway from the north and south lines of Java is also connected in this city.
Line inland

Solo city can be reached by land, either by using a personal vehicle, bus or train.
Personal Vehicles

Solo city is connected to Semarang, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya with state road. Forward the planned construction of the highway (toll road) to Semarang and Yogyakarta. Besides the provincial road connecting with Purwodadi Solo, Wonogiri, and Tawangmangu / Sarangan.

Buses and other public transport highway

Solo buses serving relation to almost all major cities in Java, Bali, and many cities in Sumatra. The main terminal is Tirtonadi Terminal, located in the northern part of town and close to the train station (a distance of approximately 1km).

There is a night bus (air-conditioned) which connects Solo from Jakarta, Bogor, Bandung, Banyuwangi, and Denpasar. There is also a very long distance bus connection that connects with Bandarlampung Solo, Palembang, Pekanbaru, Medan, Padang on the west side, and with Mataram and Bima in the east. Relations with Kalimantan and Sulawesi, which is done through the ship rests in Semarang or Surabaya.

Relationship to Surabaya lasted 24 hours, both slow and Patas buses. Relationship to Purwokerto (via Yogyakarta), too, but with much less frequency. There is also a semi-Patas buses that connect with the city of Solo, Malang, Jember and Banyuwangi. Relationship to the bus to Semarang and Yogyakarta with slow bus runs from 5:00 until 19:00 o'clock, the rest have not been served, except by bus from Surabaya to Yogya, or sometimes an unofficial extension available vehicles omprengan.

Solo is also connected with the district towns and districts from Terminal Tirtonadi like to Purwodadi, Sragen, Tawangmangu, Matesih, Wonogiri, Pedan (Klaten), and Simo (Boyolali). Kartasura terminal can also be used to reach some rural areas. These pathways are usually served the old buses or minibuses.
Railways (NR)

The main station is a station of Solo Racing. From this station practically all the major cities of Solo, Java can be achieved.

Relationship with Jakarta is served by the Executive class train (first class) Argo Lawu (depart from Gambir station that night) and Argo Dwipangga (left early) at a cost of USD 200 thousand and travel time approximately 8 hours. The train was stopped at Tugu Station, Yogyakarta, and Purwokerto before reaching its final goal in Solo.

Prambanan Express commuter trains serve the relationship of Yogyakarta with 45 minutes travel time. Trains depart from Yogya five times a day (07:00, 10:00, 13:00, 16:00, and 19:00). In addition there is a commuter train to and from Semarang (KA Pandanwangi) with two trips a day, but not clear his schedule.
Air

From Jakarta, almost every airline has a route to Surakarta, cheapest first class (class T) of approximately USD 200 thousand, The journey time 50 minutes. Located in the region of hot, you can ride a taxi 15 minutes to the center of the city of Surakarta.

Garuda Airlines, Lion Air and Sriwijaya water Jakarta-Solo flights PP, and Silk Air flight to Singapore Solo-PP, in addition to direct flights to Mecca / Jeddah, Saudi Arabia due to Solo as embarkation pilgrimage to the region of Central Java and Yogyakarta.

From a person can fly solo across the cities in Indonesia, only through the city. For those of you who happened to walk in town on a solo flight if willed to us Beside the following info: Garuda Office Slamet Riyadi indonessia on the road, the office of Sriwijaya in the west of Solo Paragon, while Lion Air ngator Adi Sumarno airport in Solo.

In addition to flight information can also be information to several travel agents. If you can Solo eastern context to Kia TOUR (0271.7060808). For those who are in the north to the god's solo tour (0271725505), and who was at the center of the city to Miki Tour (0271.665352).

Watching the World Cup made me could not help but pay attention to sports stadiums. In Solo and Surabaya are some sports that once I entered the stadium, there are also quite common to see. But that was before, when I still love to exercise, train the body to be putting to good and especially liked the opposite sex. After starting rare and ultimately never exercising at all, at most, I just go to the stadium to watch an appointment.

I started first with a stadium where there I really do deserve the sports activities. Starting time is still SD, perhaps the first that I visited a sports stadium is an indoor tennis court. The distance from my house around 400meter second. When that building is still new, if not mistaken her name Hartens that name refers to the name of the owner who is also mayor of that time whose name Solo Hartomo. The building was also one of the few places that have public telephone facility (still in box-shaped like the Superman movies), so we children also often play a phone with a random number on it. And for the first time ever, I go into the building that is at the invitation of my schoolmates who joined tennis lessons. I did not do anything there other than my friend who witnessed one armed with a brother and sister Vania, and Wynne Prakusya was warming up, practicing, etc.. Long boring, and I left after waiting for about 20 minutes.

The building itself is magnificent, feels very much to me, although previously existing types of scenery there has never been seen on television. The carpet was new and very green, although the net is also relatively quiet atmosphere of the time. Although Hartens including the building representative, at least for a province the size of the time, I do not remember there ever an official tennis match held there. I recall the provincial official match was held at the tennis court instead Mojosongo smaller, longer and located about 1 km from there. I think it might be about to Hartens building used for club coaching as well as a place where family recreation. Of course I had not understood about the ambitions or the matter is not important projects built for the sake of showing off 'the successful development of the new order' type. Whatever the goal, just a few years after the built and inaugurated, the building Hartens increasingly sagging popularity. Toward the middle school, every time I passed the building, more and more moss that coats the gate, board name, the walls, the stones in his garden, growing bald also ornamental plants that exist, and the more quiet visitors. Towards I moved house, the building appears to have never operated and now has become mangkrak building, not clear what's the point.

Solo was not a city that seems like tennis, which seemed very popular sport here is football of course, it is also basketball and badminton. Yes, like most people of Indonesia. Volleyball? It was less, much more besides volleyball is played in an outdoor field. Because somewhat related to Hartens said, I will tell you about old football stadium. Do you remember what the name of teams who could become the pride of the city of Solo. His name Arseto Solo Galatama champion ever and the beginning of the existence of Indonesian League format is also pretty good achievement. Unfortunately achievement turned out to be part of a corrupt and ruthless regime. Arseto owned by Sigit, son of Suharto. Before the year 1998, Arseto ever envisioned the stadium will have two options at national level. Sriwedari stadiums built since the PON I planned to be given to the Persis Solo, teams of local administration which is still struggling in Division I, but also may be used to match Arseto unofficial. Meanwhile, for league games and other official games, a magnificent new stadium nan and only number two grandest after Senayan (now the Bung Karno) named dikebut Manahan Stadium has been built, and the year 1998 is ready. Arseto dreams never come true, the middle years of the regime's collapse overshadowed them (ok, maybe they are still strong but at least it had no direct power again). Arseto was disbanded shortly afterwards.

Of the two football stadiums before, only once I entered Sriwedari. Meanwhile Manahan that he is building another prestigious addition to the Taman Mini is built on the orders of the empress Tien Suharto has never I entered until now, though I had often passed by and peered into it to remember my high school located only 300 meters away.

PON I just held around the year 1948, but reportedly Sriwedari stadiums have been built since the early 20th century by the royal palace. Texture and color of the walls of the arena game always reminds me of stone temples, stone walls of the large andesite, black and old. Approximately five times I went into the stadium. 2-3 times for the national day ceremony, once to watch a lion dance, and once for the intention of playing football (just playing around 3-5 minutes since I got back up and come late). The stadium was relatively small and certainly not now feasible to match the international class (junior high school stadium when I was still used to entertain teams from Thailand). Last went there (to watch the first time on the Lunar New Year Lion Dance 1999), the grass is green is not much more uneven, the seat spectator tribune class or even the VIP class has also seen worn. Two things make it somewhat respectable in my eyes is red brick running track and two light towers that still seems fine if ignited in the night, perhaps because the two rarely see it every day.
First time the stadium was renamed Stadio R Maladi to honor the former Minister of Sports, goalkeeping coach and creator of PSSI again that, but renaming it only lasted throughout Slamet Suryanto mayoralty. Now he's back into Sriwedari Stadium again. Yes, although the stadium was not special, Sriwedari remains one of the main symbols of the city of Solo. Many activities or other public facilities established in the vicinity, such as passengers, even though we are not too trendy. The stadium was close to the park Sriwedari culture, I do not know which was built first. Behind him there had been Solo movie theater, then there is an international restaurant Boga, there are also rows of stalls selling used books, which he said includes the largest in Indonesia, there is also a kind of art market goods and handicrafts such as paintings, picture frames and leather crafts skin. Tragically, almost all suffer the same fate, becoming today more and more marginalized and function decline. Solo theater has long been closed, the cultural park is only used if there is a dangdut performance, the used-book sellers have petered replaced typing, binding, computer repair, food stalls, RM Catering may sometimes still often used but also began to conduct the marriage of its branches that is altered by the House of Catering New Solo, I just do not know the art of craft stalls earlier.

Sitting in one of the stands or on the steps of stone Sriwedari, visibility that we can feel not too far from the field because the stadium was not very high. If we rise to the top of the steps of stone, which is part of the stands that are not roofed, with up to look out toward a narrow street below, we can estimate that the distance from the ground only about five meters. With such distances, would not be difficult for those who have the intention to climb in from the outside and watch the game for free. Oh yes, the back of the stadium was also often used for practice driving, including when I attended a course which is now driving his knowledge almost gone missing somewhere where no remnants. All the more proves how vital locations around the stadium Sriwedari it.

Sriwedari Stadium now has not yet completely abandoned despite new stadium already exists in Manahan. After mid-year 1998, the stadium pomp Manahan had forgotten, even long enough to mangkrak overgrown with weeds as tall as the human field. Stigma that the building was the work of the regime that had blasphemed all-out it seems to make the community or local government also did not dare let alone operate it mengutak work on. Maybe they're afraid if daring memfungsikannya back will be called as a reformer and not others. I and quite a lot of people when it actually felt a little pity to see no pay-siakannya facility. Why not, Manahan sports complex not only has a football pitch, there Velodrome for cycling, there are basketball, volleyball, athletics, there might be yet another in an invisible from the outside to me.

Terbengkalainya Manahan conditions also affected by the dissolution of Arseto and increasingly no Exact performance details. As a result, some teams from out of town who do not have the stadium and go instead of coming to use the stadium as a cage. The teams range Pelita Jaya (or rehabilitated or Pelita Krakatau Steel or whatever his name) also Persijatim, both from Jakarta, but many dicuekin by the residents of Jakarta, saw the opportunity. Beginning with the Pelita Jaya and followed Persijatim, they suddenly claimed as his team wong Solo, enough just to 'ask permission' to the government and include the word Solo in front of it (there was no team named confusing: Persijatim Solo FC, an abbreviation for Football Association of Indonesia, Jakarta Solo East Football Club). However, they never stay in Solo for their home base remains in Jakarta, so only when they are playing just to Solo, wearing Manahan Stadium, supported thousands of home supporters who call themselves Pasopati Solo. Two of the team that lost prestige in the capital with Persija had a chance to take turns wearing Manahan spent several years as their cages, but because it did not much affect their performance, move them to other cities like a traveling circus. Solo citizens national football fans, especially new Pasopati feel have been cheated and exploited after both teams had their all-out support that they leave just like that. They had promised he would not get out of town teams who only want their stadium ngekost in again.

Manahan Stadium, also often used for events other than football. There was a music concert from artists range god's capital, as well as concert events bands Aksara Records the other day. But Manahan also still can not seem to replace Sriwedari as some kind of artist / rif, queen, king when the gig at Solo Sriwedari prefer to use. But I could be wrong, maybe it's because the two different rental prices. On television the other day, I also saw that the VW fan meeting was also held at the national level there. Just as I remember I had never heard of a cycling event at the Velodrome stadium who use it. Meanwhile, I have not checked whether the kinds of religious festivities with a prayer or Christian worship or Tabligh Akbar ever held there. To Tabligh Akbar's usually held in the western town square (about 1 km away), one of which I remember ever held in one day Sunday by the Laskar Jihad, et al with the theme of unrest in Ambon and ends with a convoy stoned several churches. For prayer or TRC (Revival Service), which is usually held by a charismatic Christian circles (who never wore stadium in Surabaya Tambaksari), suppose had never been possible only a matter of time to be held there. Of those events will not end with throwing but congestion and euphoria for a few days will almost certainly happen. Although the level is different, but equally potentially quite disturbing. If no activity, Manahan's stadium complex especially if a Saturday or Sunday morning was also quite crowded with people who are exercising. Running, gymnastics, bike-sepedaan, or just want to eat porridge and other food stall a lot strewn in front of the stadium. May mimic Senayan, I still can not make an educated guess why the stadium was always surrounded by the stalls around him. I do not think need explanation or clarification convoluted historical about this, maybe it's just economic motives alone.

A stadium that also started the famous and certainly no less magnificent by Manahan and Sriwedari is a basketball stadium. GOR Bhinneka which still lies behind the newly built stadium Sriwedari in the 1990s. This is a sports stadium that I feel most familiar. Adolescence, especially in junior high school age, which had been frequently passed in this place. Basketball building which includes the finest in Indonesia was established by the private sector. If the official version, the building was built by entrepreneurs Solo addict youth basketball team is a basketball player named Unity. Bhinneka supposedly means diversity, the name was apparently chosen as a kind of self-defense but also a statement of identity of the basketball team founded by basketball lovers are almost all ethnic Chinese. That's the official version, but I also believe the official version was not disclosed to my father. Is Halim Sugiarto or Hong me one big players in the world or even gambling in Solo in Central Java or Java is, my father describes her figure is like this: "if Hong me it just broke a thousand, he would still be able to buy or make something which cost five thousand, from which four thousand were originated no one knows except himself. "I think the father of information which has also been involved in the world for decades it was more plausible than the official version says the stadium construction fund which allegedly swallowed more about 6M is the result of a joint venture.

White modern building was the last time I visited when I was in high school, but from the television I see that the contents in the main field is still not changed much since the first. When joining the coaching team Tunas (under the Junior team), I and my friends practice time to use it more often outside the field of outdoor, unless it rains. Outside the field that already includes a good and clean but still we would prefer to play inside. I myself have always felt that time could play better, rebound more readily available, shots more often if the main entrance on the inside, even if to flee the square outside is more comfortable being a little smaller. And the differences are more noticeable when the game is hot during the day. I myself like best reflected in the board which is made of transparent materials such as gypsum in the NBA. With gypsum board, the ball will bounce more abrasive, will not be as firm as reflected in the wooden planks, so the possibility of entry will be more open. Shadow broadcast NBA games on TV is also getting stronger with the presence of the existing arena floor layer of wood, such as those in television, because that's usually if you play in will also be on the ball which is more expensive, brand Spalding. As a nation built sport, basketball is in its development, more and more determined by the marks, from shoes, balls to the ingredients, I think it's pants can affect a person game.

We had trained three coaches, the first of a coach quite senior (old) but looks much experience named Bambang Purnomo (now a coach Bhinneka daughter). I could watch pak Bambang play with other veteran team members and he was amazing, though his hair had turned white, but his running agile and can even make the operand-operand without looking like Magic Johnson. The second was a gentlemen named Ahmad Syalabi Arab descent. Syalabi is also a teacher in high school sports Citizens who later turned out I know also have a profession as a referee at national level. Syalabi not that we liked, but there is more we do not like anymore namely Arifin. Arifin named coach is still quite young, I think the time is still around 28 years. The reason we did not much like it was only because we consider it 'kemaki', when in fact it was natural that his name was still young.

Distinctive and has not changed from building a stadium indoornya can accommodate a capacity of about 5000 spectators were treated graffiti wall drawings NBA players. I used to look cool, but I think now looks a bit tacky and over-90's. Moreover, the NBA players whose pictures were there now in retirement, may therefore also now have one additional picture of their own star player, I Made Sudiadnyana (Lolik) who now also was close to retirement. Other portions of the highlights of the stadium was still quite a lot longer. Let's explore slowly, based upon my memory.

Let's get to the cafeteria first. GOR canteen Bhinneka dominated by white color, making the atmosphere was clean, with shiny tiles and bright lights. Only beverages in food prices there quite expensive. Once serving a buyer is a mother who was also the daughter of veteran basketball players (maybe he too wife of one of the board). Who often buy the least expensive of course drink iced tea, other than that I also liked the big chocolate cakes, while if there is more new money I buy food especially bakmoy, although portions are not so much but warm and delicious eaten after exercise. It may also be part canteen is the most frequently enhanced interior appearance. With doors and windows that completely transparent, we can unwind sitting there looking out, toward the field of outdoor and indoor peered into the field.

Near the canteen hall to replace the existing players and also the press conference room. Complete it. Dressing room itself is not that big, there's only seating and bathrooms. I recall that time also no lockers in the locker room as abroad, whether now. Second room was never seen when worn and I'm also only a few times through the passenger or passengers in the bathroom peeing players. Outside there is a building adjacent to the outdoor field. Second floor of the building was the mess room players. Not so great, I've peeked in the room when the players there were only rows of beds and mattresses, just as in the orphanage or something. On the first floor, we had several times asked whether Mr Bambang or Arifin watching video game techniques, highlight or basketball training videos with Magic Johnson. All of the video output of the NBA so it was quite interesting and made us feel at home watching the teens. That's some pretty interesting additional section in GOR Bhinneka. Other parts such as hallways that surround the building would still have a special place in my memory, but it would be too much if you reveal all here.

Similar to a football stadium, GOR Bhinneka also often used to carry out activities that are not basketball. Indonesian Badminton Open is held here, simply by covering the floor with blue carpet, be the field of international-class badminton. In addition, in the building I was once watching a show attraction Shaolin disciples who actually came from the convent in her native country. Although I was there for some prodding from his father, with my cousin I'm quite enjoying their attractions to torture myself for audience applause. Other events, as always is the religious ceremony. Christian spiritual artists concert program, though the style of the young capital. I did not come to attend but I think considering who the owner, rather it was hard to dai-dai or cleric held their religious cleric in the building.

For the last gym in Solo, which should I call, I've got two candidates. The first LCS Semanggi where I had a chance during the half-yearly, two times a week practicing a martial arts called kateda. The second is where there Kepatihan GOR I ever increasing level of kateda exams and attend a religious ceremony. Kepatihan GOR is a basketball court that has long and clearly getting lost prestige with GOR Bhinneka, the building was somewhat impressed reot and shabby, yet sometimes still used for some activities. LCS Semanggi is a building which is also used for badminton, meeting place or meeting. I do not know where Ernest, my two years older than me (that time I was a junior high school) to get the building to carry out the exercise katedanya. Kateda martial arts is a bit weird, the step-jurusnya named only with numbers, the numbers were small. Become a priority in this martial art is the respiratory tract and in turn it will be regulated so that it can make stomach, heartburn, stomach, back, arms, legs even skulls became numb. So our practice is to beating the body parts of our trainers, depending on the degree, a master and even gave up his head to receive the rain boxing from his students in the heating.

On the one hand, the effect of LCS Semanggi for myself also a bit like the one in GOR Bhinneka. I'm also finding my identity through a period of exercises kateda which is the next sport kutekuni after basketball. Although I did not continue until a high level because it is prohibited by the superstitions of my family (they assume it contains satanic practice), now I see that the sport's popularity has only contemporary maize elements such as leadership training practical, though sometimes also MLM ( in terms of unity as a community and invite others to become members). Why not, Ernest and the other coaches at that time the average age 16-17 years but they still lead your friends or students alone (the participants had reached 20s), and our training is serious. My father also had disparaging so knowing that the train is a friend of his own. Let, which is clearly at least I never had a more powerful push-ups for hands holding up to 150 times, as well as sit-ups and ran around the field in a row.

All the memories of sports was more common in Solo. While in Surabaya, the more days I'm even less inclined to exercise. However, although I still had time to briefly visit and workout at a stadium in Surabaya. The first is at the basketball stadium Tunjungan Go Skate. The old stadium which I think has now been evicted, I went to in order to follow the BOM (Month Student Sports). Because previously had often played in the stadium felt the luxury range Bhinneka, Go Skate is my impression would be dirty and ugly. The building was also quite hot and as I do not care anymore, especially if you view it from Tunjungan Plaza parking lot, such as unused buildings only. Keikutsertaanku on campus BOM own annual event occurs two times as a backup, I did have time to play in some games, each only a few minutes and just make two points. Go Skate itself is actually relatively large. In addition to basketball, I never watched boxing and kickboxing exercises are held on the floor underneath.

Go Skate seem to have a somewhat similar fate Sriwedari, only Sriwedari than older also contain considerably more historical value, especially the building are also different (palace), then Sriwedari still survive even this far because many who want to defend it. For the case of Go Skate, his successor is Kertajaya GOR. GOR was situated on the road Kertajaya course, the elite residential area although once again a good match for the Unity. I think I only had time to enter it once, almost twice as if watching the Harlem Globetrotters tickets are not so expensive. But I'm not there to exercise or watch a sporting event, I'd go there in order to invited friends to a church crusade. So too was surprised to see the inside of the building was not as good as what is visible from the outside. Because I'm sitting in the stands, feeling less than satisfied more so, again, because I compare it to Unity. In Kertajaya part tribunnya much more dirty, given no such ceramic tile in Bhinneka but only cast concrete floors only, the lighting is also less, the back (most of the stands) shorter than Bhinneka so we can look at the field more clearly, which is somewhat delicious is the window that enables us to look at the streets and feel the wind of the night, but the window was too dirty and worn so that the building reminded me a moment more to GOR Kepatihan. Yes, I increasingly believe the stories my father's version Bhinneka GOR development.

The stadium, GOR, Gelora, arena, or whatever his name I hear is the legacy of Roman architecture, with patrons that can be seen in the amphitheater or the movie Gladiator. Even the room watching TV at home too much he also adopts a cultural heritage of this superpower nation ever, namely in terms of arena position is replaced by the TV box. Architectural designer was obviously very intelligent, especially with the ability to set the arena or field placements can be seen by all viewers. And the steps the stands that's one masterpiecenya, we now also know if the system is never changed and is always used since centuries ago. Then how about the existence of TV itself, affect the extent to which he or could he be able to change the system that has used it for centuries? We can see that the arenas of the game like a football field, basketball, or music concerts now also been fitted with giant television screens so spectators can view the spectacle of the main dish. At home, if the placement televisimu was in the middle of the room or in a place that can be viewed from all angles, when we see a ball game, you could say we even have to practice the ancient system twice. It's just that until now I've never seen a show in the stadium who put up a giant screen, so I will see which one will I see more? Giant screen in the corner that allows me to see a show more clearly or was I going to look directly into the arena / field although probably not clear. So now, whichever is greater? Inventor of the system architecture of the stadium or the inventor of television?

Kraton Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat dibangun pada tahun 1745 sebagai ganti ibu kota Kerajaan Mataram di Kartasura yang hancur akibat pemberontakan orang-orang Cina melawan kekuasaan Susuhunan Paku Buwono II yang bertakhta di Kartasura (Geger Pacinan) pada tahun 1742.

TUGU PAMANDENGAN

Titik akses utama menuju Keraton Surakarta dari arah utara sesungguhnya adalah Tugu Pamandengan. Tugu ini terletak sekitar 300 meter ke arah utara dari gerbang utama keraton yang disebut Gapura Gladag, tepat di depan Balaikota Surakarta saat ini.

Tugu Pamandengan berfungsi sebagai titik fokus pandangan Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwono ketika beliau duduk sinewoko di tempat yang ditinggikan di Bangsal Pagelaran. Memfokuskan pandangan pada Tugu Pamandengan terutama bagian puncaknya, dipercaya sebagai salah satu sarana meditasi yang sangat kuat bagi Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwono.


GAPURA GLADHAG
Lurus ke arah selatan dari Tugu Pamandengan terdapat satu gapura besar yang berfungsi sebagai pintu gerbang pertama memasuki kawasan keraton dari arah utara, gerbang ini dinamakan Gapura Gladhag. Gapura ini dibangun pada tahun 1913 M dan diperbaiki pada tahun 1930 M. Gapura Gladhag dihiasi dengan 48 motif dan 48 garis yang membentuk pagar, sebagai tanda peringatan ulang tahun Sri Susuhunan Pakubuwono
Di depan gapura, di sebelah kiri dan kanannya, berdiri dua buah arca kembar besar. Arca yang berwujud raksasa ini dinamakan Arca Pandhito Yakso, yang dibuat di Pandansimping Klaten. Pada jaman dahulu tempat di belakang Gapura Gladhag dipergunakan sebagai tempat mengekang binatang-binatang hasil perburuan sebelum disembelih. Makna simbolis yang ada di area Gladhag adalah manusia yang ingin mendapatkan kekuatan fisik dan spiritual harus mampu menahan dan mengekang hawa nafsu.
Sebelum memasuki alun-alun utara kita melewati lagi gapura yang kedua dan ketiga, yang dinamakan Gapura Pamurakan, tempat ini dihiasi dengan motif dekorasi api dan matahari. Di tempat ini dulu dilakukan pemotongan hewan hasil perburuan seperti babi hutan, menjangan dan lain-lain untuk dibagikan pada rakyat. Tempat penyembelihan yang disebut Centheng dan berusia lebih dari 500 tahun, masih dapat ditemui sampai sekarang. Makna simbolis dari area ini adalah manusia harus mampu menahan/ membunuh emosi dan amarah.

Di sebelah selatan Gapura Pamurakan ditanam pohon beringin. Yang di sebelah kiri diberi nama Weringin Wok, yang artinya perempuan, sedangkan yang di sebelah kanan diberi nama Weringin Djenggot yang artinya laki-laki. Kedua pohon beringin ini pada jaman dahulu dipergunakan sebagai tempat istirahat prajurit Bang Wetan dan Bang Kulon

ALUN-ALUN LOR
Setelah melewati 3 pasang gapura akan dijumpai suatu lapangan yang sangat luas, kurang lebih sekitar 10 hektare yang disebut Alun-Alun Lor/ Utara. Seluruh tanah di Alun-Alun Utara dibuat rata, hal ini dimaksudkan supaya orang yang memasuki alun-alun sudah dapat dilihat dari kejauhan. Saat ini tanah rata di Alun-Alun Utara telah berganti mejadi rumput, sementara di bagian tengahnya terdapat jalan setapak yang dikelilingi pohon palem.

Ditengah-tengah alun-alun utara terdapat sepasang pohon beringin yang dikurung pagar besi. Masyarakat sampai sekarang menamakannya sebagai Ringin Kurung Sakembaran. Yang di sebelah barat diberi nama Joyodaru (Cahaya Kemenangan), sedangkan yang di sebelah timur diberi nama Dewodaru (Cahaya Keagungan). Kedua pohon beringin ini pindahan dari Keraton Kartosuro, pada waktu pindahnya pohon-pohon ini diemban dengan cinde, masing-masing digendong oleh Adipati Pringgoloyo dan Adipati Sindurejo.

Mengelilingi Alun-alun Utara masih banyak dijumpai pohon beringin, dua diantaranya dinamakan Weringin Gung (tinggi) dan Weringin Binatur (rendah), yang bermakna tidak boleh terlalu meninggikan diri dan tidak boleh juga terlalu merendahkan diri. Sementara pohon beringin lainnya dipergunakan sebagai pohon peneduh, yang bermakna pengayoman/ perlindungan abadi tanpa batas.


PEKAPALAN DAN PEWATANGAN
Di sekitar alun-alun, di sebelah utara terdapat bangsal kecil yang disebut Bale Pewatangan dan Bale Pekapalan. Tempat ini pada jaman dahulu dipergunakan oleh prajurit dan kudanya untuk beristiahat setelah berlatih.

Beberapa bale lain terdapat disekitar alun-alun yang dipergunakan untuk karyawan-karyawan keraton menempatkan kudanya. Tempat menambatkan kuda sudah tidak dapat dijumpai lagi saat ini, semenjak digantikannya kuda dengan mode transportasi modern.

Bale tersebut diantaranya adalah Gedong Kiwo, Keparak Kiwo, Jekso, Penumping, Paseban Pemajegan, Kadipaten Anom, Bumi gede, Keparak tengen, Gedong Tengen dan Bangsal Patalon. Bangunan-bangunan ini sekarang dipergunakan sebagai kios penjual cindera-mata.

Di sebelah barat daya alun alun lor (ke arah Pasar Klewer)dan sebelah timur laut (ke arah Pasar Beteng) terdapat 2 gapura besar yang berfungsi sebagai pintu keluar dari Alun-Alun Lor yang bernama Gapura Batangan dan Gapura Klewer.


MASJID AGUNG
Di sebelah barat alun-alun utara ada sebuah masjid yang diberi nama Masjid Agung Surokarto Hadiningrat. Masjid Agung merupakan kompleks bangunan seluas 19.180 m2 yang dipisahkan dari lingkungan sekitar dengan pagar tembok keliling setinggi 3,25 m. Bangunan Masjid Agung Surakarta secara keseluruhan berupa bangunan tajug yang beratap tumpang tiga dan berpuncak mustaka, saka gurunya dibuat pada jaman Pakubuwono III tahun 1789 M atau “Trusing sarira winayang ratu“ atau 1177 H (hangraras temen pangandikaning Nabi) atau 1204 H (dadi luhur manembahing Allah). Dahulu masjid ini diurusi oleh Kawedanan Yogaswara.

Bangunan Masjid Agung terdiri dari :
- Serambi, mempunyai semacam lorong yang menjorok ke depan (tratag rambat) yang bagian depannya membentuk kuncung.
- Ruang Shollat Utama, mempunyai 4 saka guru dan 12 saka rawa dengan mihrab dan kelengkapan mimbar sebagai tempat Khotib pada waktu Sholat Jum’at.
- Pawestren, (tempat shollat untuk wanita) dan Balai Musyawarah
- Tempat berwudhu
- Pagar Keliling (topengan), dibangun pada masa PB VIII tahun 1858.
- Pagongan, terdapat di kiri kanan pintu masuk masjid, bentuk dan ukuran bangunan sama yaitu berbentuk pendapa yang digunakan untuk tempat gamelan ketika upacara Sekaten (Upacara Peringatan hari lahir Nabi Muhammad S.A.W.)
- Istal dan garasi kereta untuk raja ketika Sholat Jum’at dan Gerebeg, diperkirakan dibangun bersamaan dengan dibangunnya Masjid Agung Surakarta.
- Gedung PGA Negeri, didirikan oleh Susuhunan Pakubuwono X (1914) dan menjadi milik kraton.
- Menara Adzan, bertinggi 33 meter mempunyai corak arsitektur menara Kutab Minar di India. Didirikan pada tahun 1928 oleh Pakubuwono X saat ultah beliau yang ke-40.
- Tugu Jam Istiwak, yaitu jam yang menggunakan patokan posisi matahari untuk menentukan waktu sholat.
- Gedang Selirang, merupakan bangunan yang dipergunakan untuk para abdi dalem yang mengurusi masjid Agung

Dalam acara Sekaten (Muludan), di bangsal sebelah selatan dibunyikan gamelan bernama Kyai Gunturmadu, dibuat pada jaman Pakubuwono IV tahun 1818 (Naga Raja Nitih Tunggal). Di bangsal sebelah utara diperdengarkan gamelan yang bernama Kyai Guntursari, dibuat jaman awal Mataram Islam tahun 1566 (Rerenggan wowohan tinata ing wadah). Gending yang diperdengarkan adalah Gending Rangkung.

Di podium masjid terdapat tulisan “rukuning Islam iku ono limang prakara”, di sebelahnya lagi ada ukiran kayu dengan kaligrafi yang dibuat pada jaman Pakubuwono III (tahun Wawu 1769).

PAGELARAN SASONOSUMEWO

Setelah melewati alun-alun utara kita sampai di Bangsal Pagelaran Sasonosumewo. Di depan bangsal ini dapat ditemui suatu monumen yang bertinggi sekitar 6 meter, yang merupakan tugu peringatan 200 tahun berdirinya keraton Surakarta Hadiningrat. Tugu ini dinamakan Tugu Tomas Warso, berbentuk seperti sebuah bom sebagai peringatan pengeboman kota Solo oleh tentara Jepang pada tahun 1940-an.

Ketika baru pindah dari Kraton Kartosuro, Bangsal Pagelaran masih berupa bangunan darurat dari gedeg dengan alas belum diplester. Pada tahun 1913 M dimasa pemerintahan Sinuhun Pakubuwono ke-X bangsal tersebut dipugar, sehingga berwujud seperti bangunan yang dapat kita lihat seperti sekarang ini, dengan 48 pilar. Di tengah-tengah Pagelaran ada sebuah bangsal kecil yang diberi nama bangsal Pangrawit. Bangsal ini biasa dipergunakan Sinuhun kalau ada upacara, seperti upacara wisudaan para anggota sentono-dalem dan para pegawai-pegawai tinggi berpangkat bupati keatas. Upacara-upacara semacam ini dinamakan Miyos Tinangkil. Di bangsal Pangrawit ada sebuah batu yang namanya Selo gilang, yang dipergunakan Sinuhun untuk bancik kaki. Selo gilang ini sudah ada sejak Panembahan Senopati di keraton Kota Gedhe.

Di sebelah kiri dan kanan pagelaran ada dua bangunan kecil yang dinamakan Pacikeran dan Pacekotan. Bandsal Pacekotan (melompat kegirangan) dipergunakan untuk upacara pemberian tanda kehormatan/ gelar kerajaan. Sementara bangsal Pacikeran (ciker, ketakutan) dipergunakan sebagai tempat untuk menjatuhkan hukuman.

Di dalam komplek Pagelaran ada pintu ke timur dan ke barat, masing-masing menuju ke Supit Urang Wetan dan Supit Urang Kilen. Keluar dari Pagelaran menuju ke selatan kita akan melewati pintu yang diberi nama Kori Wijil. Di depan pintu ini ada sebuah batu, dibawah batu ini ditanam kepala dari seorang gembong penjahat bernama Sandiman yang dihukum pancung.

Di kiri kanan kori widjil ada dua bangsal kecil yaitu Bangsal Singonagoro, yang biasa dipergunakan untuk memutusi perkara-perkara pidana, sedangkan yang lain dinamakan Bangsal Martolulutan dipergunakan untuk upacara-upacara pemberian hadiah kepada rakyat kecil


SITIHINGGIL LOR
Setelah melewati Kori Widjil kita akan sampai di Siti Hinggil Binoto Waroto. Di dalam Siti Hinggil ini ada pendopo yang dinamakan Bangsal Sewojono/ Bangsal Ponconiti, dan di dalamnya ada bangsal kecil lagi yang dinamakan Bangsal Mangunturtangkil yang biasa dipergunakan untuk duduk Sinuhun waktu merayakan grebegan. Siti Hinggil yang juga biasa dinamakan sebagai Siti Bentaryang, dibangun oleh Sinuhun Paku Buwono ke-III pada tahun 1701 Jawi (1774 M).

Di komplek Siti Hinggil ada 5 bangsal lagi yaitu:
- Bangsal Witono, yang dipergunakan sebagai tempat duduk para wanita pembawa tanda kebesaran raja ketika duduk di singasana di Sitihingil Lor. Tanda kebesaran Raja yang dibawa berupa Banyak Dalang, Sawung Galing, Ardo Waliko dan Kukutuk Mino. Ditengah Bangsal Witono dapat dijumpai krobongan tempat menyimpan meriam Nyai Setomi.
- Bale Angun-angun dipakai untuk menempatkan gamelan Kyahi Kanigoro, dengan gong kuno bernama Kyahi Surak. Pada hari biasa bangsal ini dipakai untuk duduk para pegawai dan abdi dalem Gandhek tengen dan Sorogeni.
- Bale Gandhekan Tengen dipakai untuk menempatkan gamelan yang memainkan komposisi Kodok ngorek untuk mengiringi jalannya prosesi Garebek dengan gong Kyahi Sekar Delimo.
- Bangsal Balebang yang dipakai untuk menyimpan pusaka-pusaka berupa gamelan diantaranya Gamelan Patalon Singokrungu (gamelan Setu), Munggang, Gamelan Kodok Ngorek Kyahi Panji, Gamelan Corobalen Kyai Rendang (Prajutit Baki), Gamelan Gento (dapat memainkan komposisi gamelan jawa maupun orkestra eropa), Kyai Sukasih, Kyai Pamesih dan Gamelan Santiswara.
- Bangsal Gandhekan Kiwo, berfungsi sama dengan Bangsal Gandhekan Tengen.
Di komplek Siti Hinggil dan sekitarnya akan kita temui beberapa meriam pusaka yang masing-masing ada namanya, yaitu :
- Kyai Poncoworo, pernah dipakai oleh Sinuhun Mangkurat Agung, dibuat pada tahun 1645 M.
- Kyai Santri, dibuat pada tahun 1650 M.
- Kyai Syuhbrasto dan Kyai Segorowono, kedua meriam ini bermakna kesedihan Pakubuwono VII karena kehilangan kekuasaan atas laut dan hutan
- Kyai Brinsing dari Siam (sekarang Thailand).
- Kyai Bagus dan Kyai Alus dari Jenderal Van der Leen.
- Kyai Nakulo dan Kyai Sadewo, pemberian V.O.C
- Kyai Kumborowo, Kyai Kumborawi dan Kyai Kadalbuntung dari Zaman Mataram.

KORI BROJONOLO LOR

Keluar dari Siti Hinggil ke arah selatan kita melewati dua pintu lagi yang dinamakan Kori Renteng dan Kori Mangu (renteng = pertentangan dalam hati, mangu = ragu-ragu).
Seterusnya kita menemui pintu raksasa dari kayu yang dinamakan Kori Brodjonolo Lor. Kata Brodjonolo mengandung arti yaitu brodjo artinya gaman (senjata) yang sangat tajam, sedangkan nolo artinya pikir. Jadi arti yang terkandung di dalamnya, kalau kita mau melewati pintu ini kita diminta agar segala sesuatu harus kita pikirkan dalam-dalam dulu, dengan kata lain kita diminta selalu waspada. Pintu ini dibangun waktu Sinuhun Pakubuwono ke-II pada tahun 1694 H(1757 M).

Di atas pintu kori diberi tanda sengkalan memet berupa kulit sapi persegi: “Lulang sapi siji = wolu ilang sapi siji” (1708 atau 1782 M), yaitu jaman Pakubuwono III. Di kiri kanan pintu, baik yang disebelah luar maupun yang disebelah dalam ada bangsal-bangsal kecil. Di sebelah luar pintu ada bangsal Pacaosan Abdi Dalem Brajanala Kiwa dan Tengen. Di sebelah dalam pintu ada bangsal Pacaosan Abdi Dalem Wisamarta Kiwa dan Tengen (wiso = bisa , marto = penawar). Bangsal-bangsal ini dipergunakan untuk para abdi dalem yang sedang bertugas jaga. Di atas pintu Brodjonolo di sebelah timur ada lonceng besar yang biasa disebut Jam Panggung, lonceng itu sampai sekarang masih dibunyikan

KORI KAMANDUNGAN

Melalui pintu masuk Brodjonolo ini kita sampai di pelataran yang dinamakan Pelataran Kamandungan, disebelah kiri dan kanan pelataran ada dua brak. Brak di sebelah timur dipergunakan untuk prajurit-prajurit n’jobo (luar) sebagai penjaga bagian luar keraton dan brak di sebelah barat dipergunakan untuk prajurit-prajurit Belanda.

Bangunan yang paling menonjol di Pelataran Kamandungan adalah Baleroto, suatu teras terbuka yang dihiasi dengan ukiran besar berwarna biru dan putih sebagai tempat tunggu tamu yang akan menghadap Sunan. Di depan Baleroto terdapat 2 patung raksasa Cingkorobolo dan Boloupoto. Di sebelah kiri dan kanan Baleroto ada los-los, untuk tempat parkir kereta-kereta dan kendaraan-kendaraan yang akan dipakai oleh Sinuhun Pakubuwono.

Begitu masuk pintu Kamandungan kita akan berhadapan dengan kaca pengilon besar (cermin) siapa saja yang melalui kaca itu pasti akan berhenti sejenak, untuk memeriksa dirinya, apakah segala sesuatu yang dipakai sudah pantas mengingat kita akan memasuki keraton, tempat tinggal seorang raja. Arti yang terkandung didalamnya ialah kita diminta selalu mawas diri. Memang segala sesuatu yang kita jumpai di keraton mengandung kiasan sendiri, mengandung piwulang.


KORI SRIMANGANTI
Di belakang kori Kamandungan kembali akan kita jumpai suatu pelataran yang disebut Sri Manganti. Di kanan kiri Sri Manganti ada 2 bangunan bangsal. Bangsal di sebelah timur dinamakan Bangsal Mercukondo, bangsal ini dipergunakan untuk:

- Tempat prajurit-prajurit n’jero (dalam) yang bertugas jaga di dalam keraton.
- Pisowanan (sowan = menghadap).
- Pelantikan opsir-opsir yang naik pangkat.

Di belakang bangsal ini ada sebuah penjara kecil yang disebut Panti Pidono, yang dipergunakan untuk mengadili kerabat keraton yang bersalah dan perlu dihukum. Untuk tindak pidana demikian, bagi para kerabatnya keraton memiliki perangkat peradilan tersendiri.

Adapun bangsal yang terletak disebelah barat Sri Manganti dinamakan Bangsal Smorokoto atau Bangsal Marokoto, bangsal ini dipergunakan sebagai tempat tunggu bagi para abdi dalem yang berpangkat Bupati keatas pada waktu ada pisowanan. Bangsal-bangsal ini dibuat oleh Sinuhun Pakubuwono ke-III dan diselesaikan oleh Sinuhun Pakubuwono ke-IV, yaitu pada hari Senin 13 Rabihulakir 1714 Jawi atau 4 April 1814 M.

Untuk memasuki pelataran keraton kita melewati lagi sebuah pintu yang dinamakan Kori Sri Manganti Lor yang dibuat oleh Sinuhun Pakubuwono ke-III pada tahun 1685 Jawi (1758 M).

Didepan Kori Sri Manganti akan dijumpai lagi kaca pengilon besar, tujuan pemasangannya sama dengan pemasangan kaca pengilon di depan pintu Kamandungan, yaitu agar kita selalu mawas diri dan introspeksi.

Setelah melewati kori Sri Manganti, kita akan sampai di pelataran dalam keraton.


PANGGUNG SONGGOBUWONO
Di pelataran keraton sebelah timur kori Sri Manganti ada sebuah panggung yang dinamakan Panggung Songgobuwono. Di puncak panggung ada sebuah ukiran berupa orang yang sedang naik ular bersayap. Dalam bahasa Jawa gambar itu berbunyi sengkalan “Nogo muluk titihan Janmo“. Baik kata-kata panggung Songgobuwono maupun nogo muluk titihan janmo kalau ditulis dalam aksara jawa akan menunjukkan angka 1198, yang merupakan tahun dibangunnya Panggung Songgobuwono. Harmonisasi kori Sri Manganti dan Panggung Songgobuwono adalah lambang dari lingga dan yoni.

Panggung Songgobuwono adalah alat pelengkap suatu benteng. Dari tingkat paling atas dapat dilihat jalan masuk ke keraton dan bagian dalam benteng Belanda yang ada di sebelah utara Gladak. Serta lalu lintas keluar masuk alun-alun, sampai pada awal abad 20 masih dipergunakan untuk melihat siapa yang memasuki alun-alun. Apabila itu orang asing, Belanda atau Cina maka dibunyikan selompret oleh para penjaga yang ada di Panggung Songgobuwono sebagai tanda bahaya. Mendengar selompret ini para penjaga yang ada di pagelaran memeriksa dan kalau perlu menolak orang-orang asing yang hendak memasuki alun-alun.Pada dalam masa aman sekarang, selompret masih dibunyikan apabila ada tamu-tamu asing yang datang atas undangan Sinuhun untuk menghadiri upacara-upacara yang diselenggarakan di dalam keraton.

Mendengar bunyi selompret para pangeran yang tadinya duduk menunggu di Serambi Untorosono, akan bersiap menjemput para tamu di halaman Sri Manganti. Pada masa keadaan belum aman pada abad ke-18 dan 19 selompret dibunyikan sebagai komando pasukan berkuda, yang selalu siap di halaman Kamandungan, untuk menyerbu jika seandainya ada musuh yang sudah berhasil memasuki alun-alun atau melalui jalan supit-urang yang ada di kiri kanan Siti Hinggil.

SASONO SEWOKO

Di pelataran dalam akan kita jumpai sebuah pendopo besar yang dinamakan Pendopo Ageng Sasonosewoko.

Di bagian tengah pendopo terdapat lampu gantung yang besar yang disebut Robyong Kyahi Remeng. Pendopo Sasonosewoko yang menghadap ke timur, dibuat oleh Sinuhun Pakubuwono ke III pada tahun 1697 Jawi. Sasono berarti papan (tempat) sewoko berarti duduk bersila dilantai, sambil mengheningkan cipta memusatkan segala pikiran kepada Sang Pencipta Alam. Pendopo ini berbentuk joglo mempunyai 36 Cagak (tiang) dan 4 soko guru.

Di sekeliling Pendopo Ageng Sasonosewoko ada emperan yang dinamakan Paningrat, terdiri dari Paningrat barat, Paningrat timur, Paningrat Utara dan Paningrat selatan.

Di depan pendopo ada bangunan kecil yang dinamakan Maligi atau Pendopo Kuncung, yang dipergunakan sebagai tempat duduk bagi para bupati yang akan menghadap Sinuhun dan tempat mengkhitan putera Sunan dari permaisuri. Didirikan pada Jumat 19 Rabi’ulakir 1811 (10 Maret 1882).

Dibagian belakang Pendopo Ageng Sasonosewoko terdapat Paringitan yang disebut Sasono Parasdyo, tempat dimana sinuhun mengambil keputusan-keputusan penting. Nama Pendopo Paringgitan juga menunjukkan suatu tempat dimana sering diadakan peragaan wayang kulit.
Di dalam kedhaton melalui pintu lipat gebyok dari paringitan, kita memasuki Dalem Ageng Probosuyoso/ Proboyekso. Di tengah-tengah dalem ini ada patanen atau krobongan yang dipergunakan untuk upacara “Penganten Bersanding“ dan pusaka-pusaka utama keraton, bangunan Proboyekso ini menghadap ke selatan. Dalem Ageng hanya dibuka setahun sekali pada peringatan tahun baru jawa yang biasa disebut Malem 1 Suro.

SASONO HONDROWINO

Di sebelah kanan pendopo Sasonosewoko terdapat bangunan yang semua dindingnya terbuat dari kaca, yang dinamakan Sasono Hondrowino. Tempat ini dipakai untuk menjamu tamu, yaitu tamu asing atau tamu agung dengan acara makan bersama. Dulu dinamakan Pendopo Ijo (hijau) karena seluruhnya ruangannya bercat hijau. Hondrowino dibangun oleh Sinuhun Pakubuwono ke-V pada tahun 1750 Jawi (1823 M).

Masih ada beberapa bangunan lain di sekitar Pendopo Ageng Sasonosewoko,yaitu:
- Gedung di sebelah selatan Parasedyo adalah kantor Sunan, bernama Sasono Prabu.
- Sasono Wilopo untuk kantor Panitro dalem (pengadilan keraton).
- Nguntorosono untuk para putro dan sentono dalem jika akan sowan Sinuhun. Di sebelah timur halaman ada 3 bangsal, membujur dari utara ke selatan yaitu:
- Bangsal Bujana, tempat menjamu pengikut tamu agung
- Bangsal Pradonggo, tempat memukul gamelan
- Bangsal Musik, untuk musik atau orkes.
- Gedung-gedung di halaman sebelah utara dan selatan adalah kantor pemerintahan Keraton.
- Di sebelah timur pelataran kedhaton ada sebuah ruangan yang diberi nama Kadhipaten yang dulu merupakan tempat tinggal putera mahkota dan ada gedung Museum.
- Kori Wiwaraprya, terletak di sebelah utara menghadap ke timur menghubungkan ke area yang dikhususkan untuk pria.
- Mondrosono, Balekerto atau koken untuk menyimpan perkakas dan barang-barang belanjaan untuk masak-memasak.

PENDOPO MAGANGAN

Setelah memasuki seluruh area kedaton, sebelum sampai di Sri Manganti kidul kita akan jumpai suatu tempat perkantoran, yaitu kantor “Pengageng Parentah Keraton” (kepala pemerintahan keraton) dan Sasono Pustoko, yaitu sebuah tempat untuk menyimpan arsip-arsip dan buku-buku keraton.

Lewat Sri Manganti kidul kita akan jumpai Pendopo Kemagangan. Disinilah tempat para calon prajurit berlatih. Di sekeliling halaman ini ada bangunan-bangunan untuk menempatkan perlengkapan prajurit, seperti keris, pedang, bedil, pistol dan pakaian seragam prajurit untuk hari-hari besar keraton. Di tengah-tengah Magangan ada tempat untuk menyimpan meriam yang dibunyikan pada setiap lebaran. Di tengah-tengah Pendopo Magangan ada bangsal untuk pisowanan Abdi Dalem wanita (keputren).

KORI GADUNGMLATI, KAMANDUNGAN DAN BROJONOLO KIDUL

Keluar dari area Magangan, melalui pintu Kori Gadung Mlathi/ Saleko/ Sembagi kita akan menjumpai pelataran Kamandungan Kidul. Kata Gadungmlati (putih dan hijau) bermakna simbolis hubungan kraton dengan ratu penguasa laut selatan. Saleko bermakna persatuan dengan Sang Hyang Tunggal. Sedangkan kata Sembagi bermakna bersatunya semua warna menjadi warna putih.

Di sebelah selatan kori Gadung Mlathi dapat dijumpai lagi Kori Kamandungan Kidul, pintu masuk kraton dari arah selatan yang dihiasi dengan hiasan dekoratif sarat makna, salah satunya rangkaian melati yang bermakna kesucian. Disekitar pintu ini akan dijumpai lagi pelataran yang bersifat lebih terbuka untuk umum.

Melewati Kori Kamandungan Kidul akan dapat dijumpai Kori Brajanala kidul. Di sebelah kiri dan kanan Kori Brajanala kidul terdapat bangsal Nyutra dan bangsal Mangundara. Kemudian ada lagi Supit Urang wetan dan Supit Urang kulon yang di tengah-tengahnya terdapat lagi Siti Hinggil (kidul). Dan akhirnya kita sampai di alun-alun kidul dan terus ke selatankeluar area kraton dari Gapura Gading.

SITIHINGGIL KIDUL

Kori Brojonolo Kidul memberikan akses ke Sitihinggil Kidul. Sitihinggil Kidul adalah suatu komplek bangunan pendopo terbuka, yang dikelilingi oleh barisan pagar besi pendek, didirikan 2 Rabiulakir Wawu 1721, pada jaman dahulu terdapat 4 meriam, 2 diantaranya kemudian diambil pemerintah untuk diletakkan di AMN Magelang. Berbeda dengan komplek Sitihinggil Lor yang megah, komplek Sitihingil Kidul dan bangunan maupun kori lain di sebelah selatan kraton berbentuk lebih sederhana dan dibuat dari material yang lebih sederhana pula.

Kebalikan utara dan selatan bangunan di kraton berkaitan dengan filosofi jawa 'Donya Sungsang Walik'. Bangunan-bangunan di utara kraton yang megah melambangkan nafsu dan keinginan duniawi yang ada di dalam diri manusia, sementara kesederhanaan di bagian selatan melambangkan dalam perjalanan persatuan dengan Tuhan, manusia harus meninggalkan benda-benda dan keinginan duniawi. Dalam tahap spiritual ini manusia harus fokus dan berorientasi kepada Tuhan, Sang Hyang Tunggal. Di tengah-tengah Pendopo Magangan ada bangsal untuk pisowanan Abdi Dalem wanita (keputren).

ALUN-ALUN KIDUL

Disebelah selatan Sitihinggil Kidul dapat dijumpai Alun-Alun Kidul, alun-alun ini bersifat lebih pribadi dibandingkan Alun-alun Lor. Alun-Alun Kidul dikelilingi oleh tembok benteng yang tinggi dan disekitarnya terdapat beberapa rumah bangsawan dan juga wong cilik yang mencari nafkah di area tersebut.

Tembok yang mengelilingi alun-alun mempunyai pintu gerbang di tengan ujung selatan yang bernama Gapura Gading. Gapura ini berbentuk gerbang candi bentar, seperti halnya Gapura Gladak.

Pada tahun 1932, Sunan Pakubuwono X, menambahkan pintu gerbang di sebelah selatan Gapura Gading, dengan bentuk mengikuti bentuk gerbang masuk Alun-Alun Kidul dari arah barat dan timur. Ketiga gerbang di Alun-Alun Kidul ini dikenal dengan sebutan Tri Gapurendro, gapura terakhir yang ditambahkan oleh Sunan Pakubuwono X inilah yang saat ini dikenal masyarakat sebagai Gapura Gading.

MUSEUM KRATON KASUNANAN SURAKARTA

Keraton Surakarta Hadiningrat mempunyai benda-benda budaya yang tersimpan di Museum Keraton. Pintu masuk ke museum Keraton Surakarta Hadiningrat terletak di sebelah timur dari Kori Kamandungan, tepatnya di samping Gedung Sidikara.

Museum Keraton terdiri dari dua bangunan pokok, yaitu bangunan sebelah barat dan bangunan sebelah timur. Dulunya bangunan-bangunan ini merupakan kompleks perkantoran di jaman Susuhunan Pakubuwono X. Tiap-tiap bangunan sudah di atur ruang-ruangnya yang memuat hasil kriya Keraton Surakarta.

Pembagian ruang di museum Kraton Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat adalah sebagai berikut :

RUANG I : BERISI GAMBAR DAN UKIRAN SEBAGAI BERIKUT :
- Gambar SISKS Paku Buwana VII (1830-1858), Paku Buwana VII (1858-1861), Paku Buwana X dalam sebuah pigura yang besar.
- Gambar SISKS Paku Buwana X berdiri dengan mengenakan busana kebesaran.
- Dua buah gambar Kangjeng Ratu Hemas, permaisuri Paku Buwana X.
- Beberapa kursi ukiran dari jaman SISKS Paku Buwana IV (1788-1920).
- Dua buah kursi ukiran dari Giayar (Bali) yang dipersembahkan kepada SISKS Paku Buwana X.
- Sebuah kursi ukir-ukiran tempat duduk SISKS Paku Buwana X.

RUANG II : BERISI BENDA-BENDA PERUNGGU DAN BATIK
Dalam almari-almari kaca dipajang bermacam-macam benda dan arca perunggu antara lain arca Budha Avalokiteswara, dan alat-alat upacara agama. Di dalam ruang ini juga terdapat arca Bali dari Jaman purbakala, yaitu arca Dewa Kuwera, arca Dewi Durga, arca Dewi Tara, dan arca Dewa Siwa Mahaguru.

RUANG III : BERISI ADEGAN PENGANTIN JAWA DAN PERLENGKAPANNYA, YAITU :
- Patung kuda dari kayu lengkap dengan pakaiannya, untuk dinaiki pengantin pria kerajaan.
- Dua buah joli berukiran.
- Sebuah joli besar berisi sebuah peti, keduanya berukiran dibuat pada jaman SISKS Paku Buwana X.
- Peragaan dengan patung yaitu adegan pengantin perempuan dan laki-laki duduk bersila di Krobongan diapit dua patah.
- Relief pada dinding yang melukiskan adegan sebagai berikut :
- Keberangkatan calon pengantin kerajaan laki-laki dan perempuan dari Karaton Kepatihan.
- Calon pengantin puteri duduk dalam joli, calon pengantin laki-laki naik kuda membawa tombak diiringi pengawal.
- Pengantin menjalankan ijab-nikah.
- Pengantin menjalankan tatacara panggih

RUANG IV : BERISI ADEGAN KESENIAN RAKYAT
- Adegan pagelaran wayang kulit purwa mencakup kelir, wayang dan dalang.
- Wayang beber dengan perlengkapan : dhalang, niyaga dan gamelan.
- Dinding sebelah timur terdapat relief :
- Klenengan
- Pertunjukan wayang kulit
- Pertunjukan pada acara perkawinan, supitan, ruwat dan bersih desa.
- Dinding sebelah barat dalam almari kaca terdapat adegan-adegan:
- wayang kulit purwa
- wayang kulit gedhog
- wayang kulit madya
- wayang golek dari kayu berbentuk manusia
- wayang klitik seperti wayang kulit tetapi dibuat dari kayu

RUANG V : BERISI TOPENG DAN BEBERAPA RELIEF
Dalam ruang ini dipajang bermacam-macam topeng yang khusus digunakan untuk kelengkapan tari topeng, yang ceritanya mengambil dari cerita Panji Inukertapati, Panji Asmarabangun, Dewi Galuh Ajeng, Dewi Galuh Candrakirana, Klana dan sebagainya. Pada dinding sebelah timur terdapat relief sebagai berikut :
- Pertunjukan jaran kepang/kuda lumping
- Pertunjukan tarian ledek : seorang wanita menari diiringi gamelan
- Pertunjukan Lawung : dua orang naik kuda membawa sodok bertarung dan diiringi gamelan
- Pande keris
- Upacara selamatan : beberapa orang berdoa memohon selamat dalam tatacara Islam

UANG VI : BERISI ALAT UPACARA
- Bokor, kendhi, beri, kecohan, sumbul
- Perhiasan
- Payung bersusun tiga untuk upacara kitanan SISKS Paku Buwana IV

RUANG VII BERISI KERETA DAN JOLI KERAJAAN, DIANTARANYA :
- Kereta Kyai Garudha. Dari Jaman SISKS Paku Buwana II di Kartasura, persembahan VOC.
- Kereta Kyai Rajapeni.
- Kereta terbuka, dipergunakan oleh Raja berkeliling kota, dan diperkirakan dari jaman SISKS Paku Buwana X.
- Kereta Kyai Garudhaputra.
- Kereta kerajaan dipakai pada jaman SISKS Paku Buwana VII sampai Paku Buwana X untuk menjemput tamu agung.
- Disebelah selatan dalam almari kaca terdapat pakaian kusir, dan pakaian kuda.
- Joli : tempat mengusung puteri Raja atau penari Srimpi.

RUANG VIII : PERANG DIPONEGORO
- Relief pertemuan antara SISKS Paku Buwana VI (1823-1830) dengan Pangeran Diponegoro. Keduanya dilukiskan sedang naik kuda dan masing-masing dengan pengawal.
- Relief pengadilan pada jaman kuno (Pepe)
- Pada dinding sebelah selatan dipajang senjata kuno antara lain : bedil, pistol, pedang, tameng, keris, panah, dan pelana kuda.
- Pada dinding sebelah utara ada diorama yang menggambarkan perang Pangeran Diponegoro di Gua Selarong. Dalam diorama tadi tampak : Pangeran Diponegoro naik kuda putih, Kyai Maja, dan Sentot Prawiradirdja.
RUANG IX : TEMPAT KYAI RAJAMALA DAN LAIN-LAIN
- Patung kayu Rajamala merupakan patung kepala raksasa untuk hiasan perahu pada jaman SISKS Paku Buwana IV
- Maket rumah Jawa : gaya Joglo, Limasan dan gaya kampung
- Patung-patung kecil dari tanah liat yang menggambarkan aneka warna pakaianabdi dalem dan prajurit Keraton.
- Alat permainan rakyat : dakon, adu jangkrik, adu keci, dan adu kemiri
- Alat untuk menyimpan nasi : Kenceng besar untuk keperluan perang
- Alat-alat dapur
- Keramik dan porselin Kuno yang dahulu menjadi perlengkapan rumah tangga.

Solo is not a big city. Solo is located near Sungai bengawan solo river.