Discover
Discover
Borobudur, in Central Java, dates from the 8th and 9th centuries. It rises in three tiers: a pyramidal base of five square terraces, three circular platforms, and a monumental stupa at the top. Around the circular platforms stand 72 openwork stupas, each holding a statue of the Buddha, and fine low reliefs cover some 2,500 square metres of walls and balustrades.
History
History
Built under the Sailendra dynasty, Borobudur was later abandoned and lay for a long time under volcanic ash and forest, until it drew renewed attention in the 19th century. In the 1970s it was restored with UNESCO's help, in one of the best-known international conservation campaigns.
People & Culture
People & Culture
Walking up Borobudur level by level is like a spiritual journey, from reliefs of worldly life and Jataka tales below to open, simple terraces above. For us, Borobudur is a book written in stone that is read by walking.
Living Heritage
Living Heritage
Each year at Vesak, Buddhists from Indonesia and abroad process from Mendut temple to Borobudur to hold ceremonies there. Limits on how many people may climb the monument are part of the effort to protect its stone and reliefs from wear.
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