Legend of the city Semarang

Semarang is a city located on the north coast of Java and became the capital of Central Java Province. Since the VIII century, Semarang who was then still called Pragota has become the main port of Old Mataram Kingdom, based in Yogyakarta. 
  
This port is a point of departure of the Mataram Ancient mariners who sailed to the Cape of Good Hope, Africa, and Madagascar, long before European sailors sail across the ocean and Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas. As a dealer of Java, Semarang is not only a haven archipelago boats, but also foreign ships coming from all over the world and become a gateway of international trade lane.  

Through the Port of Pragota, ancient Mataram rice exporting and importing cotton print fabric from India. This interaction then continues into the realm of culture and beliefs. This is evidenced by the establishment of Gedong Songo Temple complex on the slopes of Mount Ungaran within 13 miles of Slough Pening.
In the XV century, Pragota visited a large sailing ship, led by Lakshman Cheng Ho, a Chinese admiral known for his voyages he was doing with the goal of peaceful diplomacy to various regions in the world using a fleet of colossal. To commemorate and honor Laksmana Cheng Ho, was built a temple called the Great Sam Poo Kong temple. Chinese culture brought by Cheng Ho and his men then intersect with the local culture and acculturation created (mixing two or more cultures and influence each other) in various fields, especially in the world of gastronomy (cookery). Soto Bangkong the legendary, Know Pong, and Lumpia, a blend of Javanese and Chinese cuisine. Tongkok descendants who settled in Semarang and then inhabit a separate area known as Chinatown.

Not far from the Chinatown area of ​​the complex there is an old building with a distinctive European architecture known as the Old Town or Little Netherland. Berok River located in the vicinity, the area that is surrounded by canals and polders is the center of Semarang under the Dutch occupation. One of the buildings in the Old Town and the famous landmark (landmark) Semarang to this day is the Church Blenduk. After visiting the Old City, you'll want to stop for a moment to Toko Oen, a legendary restaurant that was founded in 1936 with the main menu of various typical Dutch food which is cooked using a classic recipe.
Semarang glory as the bustling port city does not only happen in the past, but still continues to this day. If the first Pragota a sailing boat berths Cheng Ho, now Port of Tanjung Mas became berths luxury cruise ships carrying foreign tourists. Semarang also continues to develop into industrial city.

Besides having a rich history, Semarang is also full of magnificent buildings with interesting architecture that is worth visiting. Shrine of various sizes in the area of ​​Chinatown can be used as a reference architecture pilgrimage. Neither is the case with Lawang Sewu building that embraces art deco style with two twin towers in front of him. Buildings that have a real name Spoorweg Nederlandsch-Indische Maatschappij (NIS) was built as a Dutch Railway Bureau office. For you fans of architecture tours, do not miss a visit to the Great Mosque of Central Java (MAJT) in Jalan Gajah. The mosque is equipped with 6 hydraulic umbrella and 99 m tall tower view of this architectural style blends Middle Eastern, Roman, and Java.

To conclude the visit to Semarang, come to Pandang Gombel Substation located in the Upper Semarang. From this place you can see the landscape of the city of Semarang in twilight complete with boat and down the harbor. Sunshine crept down but not fully ruyup will create a mega color golden yellow, purple, or red Sepang. Before you actually leave the Semarang, do not forget to buy souvenirs in the form of typical Semarang Wingko Tripe and milkfish Presto at the center souvenirs Pandanaran Road.