Exploring history in Cirebon takes you on a meaningful journey from majestic palaces, ancient mosques, to traditional batik centers. Discover a unique blend of cultures in every corner of this city.
Cirebon, a city in West Java that is often dubbed as the Shrimp City and the City of Saints, is a tourist destination that holds rich historical and cultural values.
This city, located on the north coast of Java, has its own charm with various cultural relics from the Cirebon Sultanate and influences from various cultures such as Sundanese, Javanese, Chinese, Arabic, and European.
For those of you who are planning to visit Cirebon, here are some historical tourist destinations that are worth visiting.
1. Sunyaragi Cave Park
Taman Sari Goa Sunyaragi is a cultural heritage site that functions as a place of meditation and asceticism for the nobles of the Cirebon Sultanate.
Established on an area of 15 hectares, this complex has a unique design that resembles a sea reef, combining Javanese and Chinese elements.
Sunyaragi Cave is an ideal place to understand classical architectural art and is often a favorite of photographers because of its beauty and unique shape. The complex has several rooms with special functions, making it a destination steeped in history and beauty.
2. The Great Mosque of Sang Cipta Rasa
The Great Mosque of Sang Cipta Rasa is one of the oldest mosques in Cirebon built during the reign of Sunan Gunung Jati. Unlike most mosques, this mosque does not have a dome and is designed to resemble a Javanese pendopo with a low ceiling supported by teak wood pillars.
Located near the Kasepuhan Palace, this mosque is a witness to the spread of Islam in the Cirebon area. The interior is decorated with patterned porcelain plates instead of calligraphy, adding a unique and artistic impression.
This mosque is a destination for tourists who want to experience spiritual and historical nuances.
3. Cirebon Grand Palace
Keraton Kesepuhan is the oldest and most magnificent palace building in Cirebon, built in 1529 by Prince Mas Mohammad Arifin. Inside there is a large collection of royal relics, such as old gamelan, carriages, and antique paintings of Prabu Siliwangi.
The architectural style of the Keraton Kesepuhan combines Javanese, Chinese and European elements which reflect the richness of culture at that time.
This palace complex provides an opportunity for tourists to learn more about the colorful history and culture of the Cirebon Sultanate.
4. Kejawan Beach
As a coastal city, Cirebon also offers natural beauty in the form of Kejawanan Beach. This beach is popular among tourists as the best place to watch the sunset with Mount Ciremai in the background.
Kejawanan Beach has a calm atmosphere, and is the perfect location to relax or enjoy the sea view. For photography lovers, this beach offers spectacular views that add to your collection of stunning landscape photos.
5. Kacirebon Palace
Keraton Kacirebonan was founded in 1800 by Sultan Cirebon I and remains one of the best-preserved historical buildings in Cirebon. The architectural style combines Javanese, Dutch, and Chinese elements, creating a unique aesthetic.
Inside the palace, there are various heirlooms such as keris, wayang kulit, and ancient war weapons. Visitors can feel the atmosphere of the past that is still strong in every corner of this building.
6. Goddess of Mercy Temple
Dewi Welas Asih Temple is a Chinese temple that is hundreds of years old and is the center of worship and religious activities for Buddhists in Cirebon. This temple has a distinctive architecture, with dominant red and gold colors and dragon carvings on its pillars.
Interestingly, this temple also adopts Balinese elements, adding a strong multicultural impression. For tourists, this temple is a symbol of tolerance and religious diversity in Cirebon, as well as a beautiful place to enjoy the richness of architecture.
7. Trusmi Batik Village
Trusmi Batik Village is the center of Cirebon batik crafts which is famous for its distinctive motifs such as mega mendung. In this village, tourists can find various galleries and shops selling batik with various designs and colors.
Not only shopping, visitors can also see the batik-making process directly and even learn to make batik. Trusmi Batik Village is a favorite destination for finding souvenirs typical of Cirebon while learning more about the Nusantara batik tradition.
8. Kanoman Palace
Kanoman Palace is a historic palace founded by Sultan Anom I in 1678. This palace building still functions as a residence for the descendants of the Sultan of Cirebon to this day.
Inside the palace, there are historical objects such as the Paksi Naga Liman Kencana Chariot which is used in traditional ceremonies.
Keraton Kanoman offers fascinating insights into the culture and history of the kingdom, and is an ideal place to study Cirebon’s role in Nusantara history.
9. Cibulan Baths
Cibulan Bathing Pool, located in Manis Kidul Village, Kuningan, has its own uniqueness, namely that it is inhabited by divine fish which are considered sacred by the local community. Visitors can swim with these fish in a calm natural atmosphere.
Although quite far from the center of Cirebon, this place is an interesting choice for water tourism and offers a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else.
10. Linggarjati Negotiation Building
The Linggarjati Negotiation Building is a silent witness to the historic agreement between Indonesia and the Netherlands in the struggle to maintain independence.
This colonial-style building is located in Kuningan and houses artifacts such as the negotiating table and the Linggarjati Agreement documents.
Located at the foot of Mount Ciremai, this place also offers a cool and calm atmosphere, suitable for reflection and remembering the nation’s history.
Cirebon is a city with an impressive wealth of history and culture, combining various traditions and heritages from the past. From the magnificent palace to the historic mosque, every corner of this city holds a valuable and unique story.
For those of you who are interested in historical tourism, Cirebon offers an immersive experience and enriches cultural insights.
