Before 1755 Surakarta or Solo was the capital of Mataram Kingdom. After the treaty of Giyanti in 1755, Mataram was devided into two kingdoms are Kasunanan Palace in Solo and Sultan Palace in Yogyakarta. Following the treaty, Prince Mangkubumi the brother of Susuhunan Pakubuwono II the King of Kasunanan Palace, was crowned as the King of Sultan Palace in Yogyakarta. He was then called Sultan Hamengku Buwono I.

The Sultan's Palace or Kraton, with its grand elegent Javanese architecture, lay in the centre of Jogja city. It was built in 1755 by Prince Mangkubumi was then called Sultan Hamengku Buwono I. The Sultan Palace stretches from north to south. The yard of the Alun-alun Utara ( North Square ) and the backyard called Alun-alun Selatan(South square). The design of this historical building demonstrates that the palace, the obelisk (the Tugu, th Column ) and Mount Merapi positioned in one line. It is blieved that this axis before leading a meeting, making decision and giving order to his people.

Purworetno is the main part of KRATON, a place where the Sultan performs his duties. With the luxury and elegent Javanese architecture where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the Kraton as it was centuries ago. Many sets of Gamelan instruments, antiques and heirlooms make the Sulatan's Palace as one of the most intereting tourist site in Yogyakarta. The Palace is now the dwelling place of Sultan Hamengku Buwono X and their family.