Klungkung Palace

The kingdom of Klungkung was considered to be the highest and most important of the many kingdoms of Bali. In 1710, Dewa Agung, the Raja of Gel Gel, moved to Klungkung and built a new palest (puri). The city was known at that time for its arts, painting, dance and music. At the end of the 18th century, “KERTA GOSA”, the hall of justice, was erected within the middle of an artificial lake and typified the Klungkung style of architecture and painting. Kerta Gosa was the supreme court of Bali, and all cases on the island which could not be resolved were transferred to Kerta Gosa. Three Brahman priests presided over this court and were known for their harsh and inhumane sentences. The convicts (as well as visitors today) were able to view the ceiling which depicted different punishments while they were awaiting sentencing. The puri (the palest) of Gel Gel was destroyed by the Dutch army after a bloody victory against the Balinese, who fought in a “PUPUTAN” (until death of the last combatant–including women and children) on the 18th of April, 1908. The paintings of Puri Kerta Gosa are one of the outstanding examples of the Kamasan (or Wayang)-style.