UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Prambanan
Indonesia

Prambanan

9th-century Hindu temple complex in Java

Location

Explore the Map

Historical Context

About

The Prambanan temple complex, located in Java, Indonesia, is a significant archaeological site dating back to the 9th century CE. Constructed during the reign of the Hindu Sanjaya dynasty, it represents a shift from Buddhist to Hindu dominance in the region. The site is renowned for its three main temples dedicated to the Hindu deities Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, with the towering Shiva temple being the most prominent. The complex originally comprised 240 temples, showcasing intricate bas-reliefs depicting stories from the Ramayana and Bhagavata Purana. Despite its abandonment in the 10th century due to volcanic activity, Prambanan stands as a masterpiece of Hindu architecture and a symbol of the religious and cultural history of Indonesia.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations

FileBrahma_temple_Prambanan_2017-08-02_3.jpg
FileBrahma_temple_Prambanan_2017-08-02_5.jpg
FileCOLLECTIE_TROPENMUSEUM_Beeld_van_Shiva_als_Mahadeva_op_de_Candi_Lara_Jonggrang_oftewel_het_Prambanan_tempelcomplex_TMnr_60046668.jpg
+29 More
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history

Temple Expansion

Late 9th century CE

Construction Begins

850 CE

Shiva Temple Inauguration

856 CE

Abandonment

930s CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Water Management Features

Irrigation Canals
category

Religious and Ritual Structures

Temples
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

ReliefsInscriptions
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference

Details

Country

Indonesia

Coordinates

-7.75° N, 110.49° E