Overview
Surakarta (or better known as Solo) lies across in fertile plain terrain along the longest river in Java, Bengawan or River Solo. Surakarta is the cradle of Javanese culture, with two royal houses in one single city : The Kraton of Solo and the Mangkunegaran, a principality. Descendants of these two royal houses are still considered leaders of Javanese culture and traditions. Majestic ceremonies and royal festivals are still held with great affectation. Solo is also called ‘the city that never sleeps’. One can always find something to eat or buy, as vendors of all kinds and small food stalls remain open 24 hours.
Solo today remains distinctly Central Javanese with an elegance all its own. It is one of the major centres of Batik and souvenir hunters may be lucky enough to find old Javanese antiques. The becak (three-wheeled rickshaw) and andong (traditional horse-drawn carriage) are the most flexible types of traditional transportation within the city and are readily available.
