Laweyan, an old village that has a longer history than its own Surakarta. Has existed since the time of the Kingdom of Display in XIV century, Laweyan in ancient times was the center of clothes trade. A traditional village located on the south side of the city of Solo, Central Java. The village is special not simply because it is an old village that exotic, but also because it saves the industry a long trail of batik in Solo. From the past until now, almost the entire population of this village are living as well as a manufacturer and trader of batik.
Entering the village Laweyan, almost all houses are generally large and stately concurrently function as a showroom of batik. Ranging from batik worth tens of thousands to millions of dollars can be bought here. Some places even offer the opportunity to see first hand the manufacturing process. For those who want to learn batik, do not worry because there is a package of short courses are also available.
In the area there are Kampung Laweyan, Tegalsari, Tegalayu, batikan, and Jongke, whose inhabitants are a lot of batik producers and traders, since the beginning until now. This is where the founding of the Islamic Trade Syarekat, the first trade association founded by the native batik producers and traders, in 1912. Former triumph of the old days native batik merchants commonly called 'Gal Gendhu' can be seen from the relics of his palatial home. In this area, they did show glory by competing to build a luxurious mansion with beautiful architecture.
Regions Laweyan skipped Jalan Dr Rajiman, who was in the shaft Kasunanan Surakarta Palace - the former palace of Mataram in Kartasura. From Jalan Dr Rajiman this, many see a high wall that covers the large houses, with a large wooden gate called Regol. At first glance not too interesting, and many were dull. But once Regol opened, then the building looks great house with beautiful architecture. Usually consists of the main building in the center, building wings on either side, and building support behind him, as well as a broad front page.
Batik merchants who formerly lived in Laweyan build big houses with towering walls. The skipper of batik is also building a tunnel or a secret passage in their homes to other homes in Laweyan batik masters. Reportedly when they act contrary to the palace. Through the streets so that they can freely conduct secret meetings with fellow merchants batik to discuss the socio-political conditions at that time.
With architectural forms, material luxury, and beauty of ornament, as the ancient batik merchant willing to demonstrate its ability to build his palace, though in a miniature scale. One example can be seen is the former home of batik merchant located on the roadside Dr. Rajiman, treated and turned into homestay Roemahkoe Sustainable equipped restaurant.
