Cirebon historical tourism 
Cirebon, a historical city in Indonesia, boasts a rich heritage intertwined with the narratives of the Wali Songo. Or “nine saints,” who was play a pivotal role in Islam’s spread across Java. This historical backdrop often intersects with the presence of royal palaces, or keratons, in the region. Notably, Cirebon stands out for hosting the highest number of keratons in Indonesia, including Keraton Kasepuhan, Keraton Kanoman, Keraton Kacirebonan, and Keraton Keprabonan. This essay will delve into the history of Keraton Kanoman.
In 1678, Keraton Kanoman history was established as one of Cirebon’s two royal palaces. It stood alongside Keraton Kasepuhan, marking the key centers of power of the Sultanate of Cirebon.”. Sunan Gunung Jati, also known as Syarif Hidayatullah, played a significant role in Islam’s propagation in western Java, closely tying Cirebon’s history to the religion’s expansion.
Pangeran Mohamad Badridin, also known as Pangeran Kertawijaya and later Sultan Anom I, founded Keraton Kanoman around 1678. The palace continues to uphold traditional customs and rituals, including the Grebeg Syawal celebration and visits to the ancestral tomb of Sunan Gunung Jati in Astana Village, North Cirebon. Keraton Kanoman’s historical legacy echoes the teachings of Islam championed by Sunan Gunung Jati.
Exploring the Structures of Keraton Kanoman
Located behind Kanoman market, the expansive Keraton Kanoman complex was home to Sultan Raja Muhammad Emiruddin and his family. It encompasses ancient structures, such as the Witana pavilion. Considered the precursor to the vast palace, sprawling across an area nearly five times the size of a football field.
A notable characteristic of Keraton Kanoman Cirebon’s palaces is the presence of authentic Chinese porcelain plates adorning their walls. This is a testament to the region’s cultural exchanges. Additionally, the palaces are consistently oriented northward, with tiger statues in their courtyards symbolizing Prabu Siliwangi. Town squares in front of the palaces serve as communal spaces. While markets thrive as economic hubs, and mosques stand to the east. https://cirebonprofileandtourism.com/2024/03/21/historical-traditional-market-kanoman-cirebon/
The layout of the Keraton Kanoman complex, the oldest in Cirebon. Includes the Witana building, once the residence of Prince Walangsungsang, constructed in 1428. Adjacent to it is the Dalem Agung, built in 1430, located east of the Pakungwati palace complex (Kasepuhan).
In the past, the Kanoman town square area was visible from the main road to the north. Surrounded by the marketplace to the east and the grand mosque of Keraton Kanoman to the west. However, deliberate marketplace expansion by the Dutch in 1924 obscured the palace’s view. Additionally, structures like Pancaratna and Pancaniti was flank the entrance road to Mande Manguntur. While Cungkup structures for storing mortar and pestles were situated east of Pancaniti.
You can see the another picture and event from them in Instagram Official Keraton kanoman https://www.instagram.com/official_kesultanankanoman?igsh=MWR0aDNyejd5OXcyZA==https://www.instagram.com/official_kesultanankanoman?igsh=MWR0aDNyejd5OXcyZA==
Written by Hafshah Sheehan Auliya
