Museum Benteng Vredeburg

Why Museum Benteng Vredeburg is special ?

Vredeburg Fort was built by Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I in 1760, based on the request from Dutch government, Nicolas Harting. The construction was first functioned as a fort in rectangle form. Each corner of the building had a guard post called seleka or bastion which was given a name; Jayawisesa (northwest corner), Jayapurusa (northeast corner, Jayaprakosaning (southwest corner), and Jayaprayitna (southeast corner).

In 1762, Nicolas Harting was replaced by W.H. Ossenberch who later on, persuaded Sultan to construct the fort permanently. Sultan granted the request and the construction began in 1767 under the supervision of Ir. Frans Haak, the Dutch expert of construction. The construction was finally finished in 1787. The building was named Rustenberg that means “rest fort”. In 1867, earthquake in Yogyakarta tore down Rustenberg Fort. The building was renovated and the name was changed into Vredeburg fort that means “peace fort”. The name is used until today.

Today, the function of the fort becomes National Struggle Monument that is called Vredeburg Fort Museum. It was officially launched on November 23, 1992. The museum often functions as a place to hold art and culture activities.

Source: http://www.iwantgoto.com/

What to explore at Museum Benteng Vredeburg?

In the Museum of Vredeburg Fort has many antiquities from the Netherland era. There, you will also see dioramas from before Indonesia’s proclamation era until New Orde or Orde Baru era. Besides, you can also see many historical objects, pictures from the past, and even paintings about how Indonesia’s heroes in the past struggled to defend the country.

Although the place has been restored several times, the original form of the building is still maintained. So, you do not have to worry that it is not similar to how it looked like in the past. The only area changed is the indoor part as now the function of Vredeburg Fort is as a museum. Occasionally, seminars are held here but the must be an appointment beforehand. Furthermore, the place also provides a free Wi-Fi. There is also a library so if you want to know about Indonesia’s or Yogyakarta’s history, you can read the books there.

Source: http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/

How to get to Museum Benteng Vredeburg?

Situated at the heart of Yogyakarta city, to reach Vredeburg Fort is very easy. You can take Trans Jogja bus line 1A, 2A, or 3A, stop at Gedung Agung Shelter. You can also take city bus line 4, 10, 18 and 19. If you want to try the traditional transportation in Yogyakarta, you can take pedicab or horse cart.

Source: http://www.iwantgoto.com/