The Thousand Doors Building In Semarang City
I wondered if it really was a building with a thousand doors. I went on a historical tour this time, in Semarang. Specifically, I went to a building known in Indonesian as "seribu pintu" (Thousand Doors Building). The nickname "Seribu Pintu" (Thousand Doors Building) in Javanese means "LAWANG SEWU".
For me, this was a vast area to explore. So, I had to stretch my legs to explore this historic building. Luckily, I've been walking several kilometers every day.
The "LAWANG SEWU" building is located in the center of Semarang. Before its revitalization, it looked like an abandoned haunted house, and there were indeed many spooky stories about it, especially the area below.
Since its revitalization as a historical tourist attraction, the building, which initially seemed spooky, has become a tourist icon of Semarang, especially one that piqued my curiosity.
Indeed, when I planned to visit Semarang, I immediately had a list of places to visit to visit this "LAWANG SEWU" place.
The architectural characteristics of this building are classical, with simple curves, typical of Amsterdam architects. There are so many curves that it's hard to count them. Yes, I think there are too many.
So, is it true that this building really has a thousand doors? I listened to the tour guide's explanation.
The "LAWANG SEWU" building doesn't actually have a thousand doors. The total is actually 928. However, the local community rounded it up to 1,000.
In the past, this building was used as the headquarters of the Nederlandsch Indische Spoorweg (NIS) railway company during the Dutch East Indies era. Rail transportation was indeed crucial for the economic progress of the Dutch in Indonesia, especially during the Dutch colonial era. The railway system made it easier for the Dutch to transport Indonesian produce to ports. This is why there are so many Dutch railway stations in Indonesia.
Visitors to this building can see the history of the railway through a glass screen on the side of the building. I found it quite informative and concise, with clear illustrations and an engaging video version. It's also suitable for children.
I continued exploring the building. The arched doors and windows of the "LAWANG SEWU" building are truly artistic, from an artistic perspective. It's a stunning architectural masterpiece from a bygone era.
Although many of the materials have been restored after renovations, the building's spirit is still intact.
The exterior of the building also features an outdoor area. Several tenants are available, especially for the food court in the afternoon, so visitors can still enjoy the atmosphere while enjoying their food.
I visited during the day, and fortunately, it was cloudy. Although the sky wasn't clear, my picture of the building isn't very good. I was thankful for the cloudy weather, which kept the air in Semarang cool. Oh, thank goodness. A building that bears witness to the past but is still worthy of enjoying its architectural style to this day.
Best Regards,
Anggrek Lestari
Anggrek Lestari is an Indonesian fiction writer who has published two major books. Now She is a full-time content creator. She has a goal to share life, poem, and food content that makes others happy and can get inspiration.
Contact Person: authoranggreklestari@gmail.com
Discord: anggreklestari#3009
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¡Qué sitio tan fantástico! ¡Gracias por permitirnos imaginar que lo visitamos también!
¡Feliz lunes!
That is a fantastic building. Great pictures, despite the clouds. I just went to read up a bit on Dutch colonialism in Indonesia...347 years! Wow. That's longer than the U.S. has been a country. Now I understand why there is so much Dutch influence in Indonesia
Thanks for a most interesting blog, @anggreklestari
Long story, yeah that's why. Indonesia is rich with spices and herbs. 😊
Thank you for stopping by
I wrote a book for children once on colonialism but I didn't really cover the Dutch that much. I covered the French in Indochina, the Germans in Africa, the Spanish in the Western Hemisphere, the Italians in Africa and the English all over the world. Somehow, I missed the Dutch, except for when they landed in Tasmania.
I'll have to do my reading about the Dutch in Indonesia. What an oversight :)
Wow, what a beautiful and extensive building! You could easily spend a whole day walking around it to fully appreciate both the views and the architectural design. It's a huge building. When I read that it doesn't have 1000 doors, I thought it was just a figure of speech and that it actually has far fewer than 928. I really wanted to know how many doors it has. Cheers.
Yes, huge building in huge area 😊 what an interesting place to visit!
Good afternoon, dear friend @anggreklestari.
What an imposing and beautiful building! I love its period architecture. The sheer number of doors and windows is impressive. It's wonderful that it's been restored as a tourist attraction; it's a shame it was abandoned.
It's great that you were prepared; it makes you want to walk around and explore the whole place.
The photos you took are beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing your visit.
I hope you enjoy the thousand doors pictures ❤️
Thousand Door building makes me amazed Ma'am @anggreklestari , have you opened all doors during your great tour and visit Ma'am? ☺️ Exploring the truly enjoyable because it is very historical. It builts very unique because of the architectural designs on the structures.
The doors already open 😊 if closed I think I will paranoid ehehe
I cannot imagined how big that unique and majestic structure you visited Ma'am @anggreklestari , almost a thousand Doors construct.
The building design do suggested a lot it was a duth design. Haven't really thought it was a rail company though, I would have guessed it was a school 😂 I'd like to visit all 928 doors if I ever visit 🙏
Hot temperature, that's behind many doors and high celling arcitecture ehehe
So unique!
No way, 928 for a door? That's crazy, its a lot. But it looks pretty. What made ir more attractive was definitely its almost the thousand doors. It is also a big one to explore. I would enjoy the tour if ever I get the chance to visit the place.
Such an interesting place to visit, @anggreklestari.
The amount of stories it "hides" must be something insane. Personally speaking, this type of place always catches my attention.
Greetings @anggreklestari, an impressive building with many doors that truly live up to its name. I could spend all day exploring its different spaces. I loved the garden and the train pictures. Thanks for sharing! 928 doors is a lot for one building, haha.
the architecture is superb! but I think I'll get lost if I go there even if I walk around multiple times
no problem, there are many people :)
Oh mine, the building indeed has thousand doors. The building is beautiful as well. You did a thing with the shots, they all look amazing.