Pleret’s historical traces range from the precisely measured Sumur Gumuling Plered to finds at the site of Masjid Agung Plered. A museum and Makam Kyai Kategan add to the picture of the area’s past. If you’re looking for a holiday rental, start by deciding: should Pleret itself be the main focus, or would you also like to consider cultural themes from the wider destination of Bantul?
Wells and Finds in Pleret
Sumur Gumuling Plered has a diameter of 0.8 metres, a well rim 0.11 metres thick, and a depth of 2.7 metres. This makes the well more than three times as deep as its diameter. Concrete steps provide access. A concrete wall with metal grilles surrounds the well; both the wall and the well’s surface are painted pink.
At the site of Masjid Agung Plered, 23 round umpak (support bases) with square openings in the middle were found. The details vary: the well can be described by its measurements and enclosure, while the number and shape of the umpak draw the eye. The description remains specific to each location: the umpak were found at the site of Masjid Agung Plered.
Historical Landmarks in Pleret
Museum Sejarah Purbakala Pleret first opened to the public on 10 March 2014. Makam Kyai Kategan commemorates a well-known religious dignitary from the reign of Sultan Agung. Both places offer distinct historical perspectives alongside the well and the finds at the site of Masjid Agung Plered.
A single event is also part of the area’s local history: the P.O.W.Y. community held the village exploration event “Sobo Ndeso: Jelajah Wisata Mataram” at Desa Wisata Pleret on 16 January 2023.
More Cultural Themes in the Wider Destination of Bantul
The wider destination of Bantul has other historical landmarks. Goa Selarong is a historical attraction in Dusun Kembang Putihan, Kalurahan Guwosari, Kapanewon Pajangan, Kabupaten Bantul. Makam Imogiri in Dusun Pajimatan, Kalurahan Girirejo, Kecamatan Imogiri, Kabupaten Bantul, was built by Sultan Agung between 1632 and 1640. It is the burial place of the kings of Mataram and their families, as well as the kings of Surakarta and their families. In the wider destination of Bantul, Museum Sejarah Purbakala Pleret is located on the site of the former Islamic Mataram Palace complex in the Kerta-Plered cultural heritage area.
Crafts are another distinct theme in the wider destination of Bantul: at Desa Wisata Krebet, batik is made on wood rather than fabric. Desa Wisata Wukirsari is known as a centre for traditional hand-drawn batik and wayang kulit (leather puppet) crafts. Kasongan, in Desa Bangunjiwo, Kecamatan Kasihan, Kabupaten Bantul, is a centre for pottery. These themes differ from Pleret’s wells, finds, and memorial sites, broadening the regional picture to include other cultural and craft traditions.
Find a Holiday Rental Based on Your Interests
Consider whether Pleret itself should be the main focus, or whether you’d also like to factor in these distinct Bantul themes when choosing your destination. This way, your holiday rental search can reflect the range of themes you want for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Depok, Bantul, Cangkringan, Baturaden, Wonosari, Turi, Gamping, Pakem
For the wider travel overview: Yogyakarta.
