The Fatahillah Square - also known among the locals as the Taman Fatahillah is Jakartas very own bit of colonial grandeur
. For ardent history lovers it will be a place of interest as the very heart of the Colonial era not to mention the Colonial Capital during the 18th century.
The Fatahillah Square is situated in the old Jakarta area, its perhaps the only large open area that tourists will find in Jakarta today. However, in the 1970s the square underwent a major effort to restore it to its former glory. But still there are some aspects of the square that have not changed like the fountain right at the middle which served as the main source of water supply in Colonial times.
Like the fountain the Fatahillah square also has another highlight in the form of a cannon towards the north of the square. This cannon of Portuguese origin is claimed to be a fertility font through the ages.
Exactly in front of the square is the court yard of the Old Batavia City call, which the Dutch referred to as Stadhuis. It was here that the Dutch Colonial Government and before that the Dutch East India Company set up their headquarters. In 1707 the city hall was constructed, and inaugurated by the Governor General at the time - General Abraham van Riebeeck. The square is now paved using tiles made out of concrete, replacing the paved cobblestone area.
After its renovation in the 1970s, this area was named as a National Heritage site. The square located in Jakartas old Town is surrounded by some very interesting attractions for tourists such as the old train station, the Chinatown area which includes the Glodok and Pinangsia structures.
A few years back the Fatahillah square was a quiet place, but today it is alive with activity and market like atmosphere. Its a good place to visit if travellers would like to acquaint themselves with the locals and their culture while taking in the historic sites of this old city.
For short stay accommodation, Jakarta has much to offer and staying at Jakarta serviced apartments of the likes of the Ascott Jakarta would be well worth your while. Owing to its central location tourists could hope to see more in a short amount of time and get about with ease.