Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±

Mesjid Al-Manar

Central Java


This beautiful old mosque, built in 1549 by Sunan Kudus, is famous for its red-brick menara (minaret). This minaret may have originally been the watchtower of a Hindu temple – the curiously squat form and flared sides of the mosque certainly have more in common with Balinese temples than with traditional Islamic architecture. Inside the main prayer hall, Muslim worshippers pray in the shadow of a Hindu-style brick gateway, a fascinating juxtaposition of Javanese religious heritage.


Contact

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions

Nearby Central Java attractions

1. Sunan Kudus Tomb

From the courtyards behind the mesjid (mosque), a palm-lined path leads to the imposing tomb of the Muslim saint Sunan Kudus, shrouded behind a curtain of…

2. Kretek Museum

1.6 MILES

This lonely, shabby old compound has some exhibits on the history of kretek (clove cigarette) production, including some old photographs and machinery…

3. Mesjid Agung

14.65 MILES

Demak’s venerable Mesjid Agung (circa 1466), notable for its triple-tiered roof, is Java's oldest mosque and one of the archipelago’s foremost Muslim…

4. Mesjid Mantingan

17 MILES

The mosque and tomb of Ratu Kali Nyamat, the great warrior-queen, are in Mantingan, 4km south of Jepara. Kali Nyamat twice laid siege to Portugal’s Melaka…

5. Market Apung

18.65 MILES

This character-filled fish and produce market is housed in some old Dutch godowns (warehouses) on a bridge close to the sea. The main attraction is really…

6. Museum RA Kartini

18.66 MILES

On the north side of Jepara's attractive alun-alun, this museum is dedicated to one of Indonesia’s most celebrated women. One room is devoted to Kartini…

7. Benteng VOC

18.87 MILES

Over the last 50 years, the stonework of this once-substantial fort has been pillaged, but the site has good views across town to the Java Sea. The small…

8. Pantai Kartini

19.7 MILES

Close to the ferry port, this is Jepara's most popular beach. With funfair rides, souvenir stalls, tethered goats, shell shops and mosques, it's a good…