A lush tropical landscape dotted with hundreds of archeological temples, including two UNESCO world heritage sites, Borobudur and Prambanan, this is a destination that leaves you spellbound.
The grandeur and complexity of the temples has to be seen to be believed, and photography struggles to convey the depth.At a time when Europe was still in the dark ages, the “Central Javanese Period“ was building religious structures and art, now recognized as being the oldest and highest level of art within South East Asia
Central Javanese spirituality and artistic endeavor continues to exist side by side with mendacities of everyday life. At the time in which these monuments were built, Indian pilgrims had spread Buddhist and Hindu teachings spread across Java, Indonesia. The proud ruling dynasties of Central Java built a seemingly endless number of structures, of all scales.
The adaption of Indian religion and customs with the local artistry and traditions bred its own unique style; “Hindu-Java Art”.
Around 920 the power shifted from Central Java to West Java and the monuments including Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko became neglected, exposed to ash from volcanic eruptions, and the ravages of the local vegetation. Now restoration sees these world relevant sites back on the map with millions of people visiting each year.
