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 nowadays. Surakarta
or Solo (550000 inhabitants) draws its name from the longest river of Java,
which passes in this city. It was the capital of the kingdom of Mataram
from 1745 to 1755. There are many Becak (rickshaws decorated with naive scenes)
croos the city The Famous market is Pasar Klewer, they sell t shirt and all about batik