Katangka Old Mosque
South Sulawesi's oldest mosque (1603), a historical fortress with ancient royal tombs and a serene, cool interior.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
To ensure mosque access
Katangka Old Mosque
Best Time
To ensure mosque access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
South Sulawesi's oldest mosque (1603), a historical fortress with ancient royal tombs and a serene, cool interior.
"Reputedly the oldest mosque in South Sulawesi, with massive tombs of past kings and nobles."
Modest Attire is Key
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect. :dress: Many visitors mention this is crucial for entry.
Check Opening Hours
The mosque is often closed outside of prayer times. Plan your visit accordingly. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Tombs
Mosque Complex
Massive tombs of past kings and nobles, some rising taller than people, offer a glimpse into a bygone era.
Cool Interior
Inside the Mosque
Experience a noticeable drop in temperature inside, creating a serene and comfortable atmosphere for prayer.
Original Minbar
Inside the Mosque
See the old concrete pulpit with carved wooden elements and Quranic verses, a testament to its historical use.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visits
Historical Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Modest Attire is Key
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect. :dress: Many visitors mention this is crucial for entry.
Check Opening Hours
The mosque is often closed outside of prayer times. Plan your visit accordingly. :clock1:
Respectful Behavior
Maintain a quiet demeanor and be mindful of worshippers. This is an active place of prayer. :pray:
Explore the Tombs
Don't miss the impressive tombs of past royalty and nobles within the complex. :statueofliberty:
Tips
from all over the internet
Modest Attire is Key
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect. :dress: Many visitors mention this is crucial for entry.
Check Opening Hours
The mosque is often closed outside of prayer times. Plan your visit accordingly. :clock1:
Respectful Behavior
Maintain a quiet demeanor and be mindful of worshippers. This is an active place of prayer. :pray:
Explore the Tombs
Don't miss the impressive tombs of past royalty and nobles within the complex. :statueofliberty:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Katangka Old Mosque for its historical significance as one of South Sulawesi's oldest mosques and its serene, cooler interior. The ancient tombs of kings and nobles are a major draw, offering a tangible link to the past. However, some note that extensive exterior renovations have altered its original architectural appearance.
"It is reputed to be the oldest mosque in South Sulawesi. Sadly, the old structure has undergone massive exterior renovation works that don't reflect the architectural design of its age. However, there are many tombs within the mosque complex that are definitely from a bygone era. Massive tombs of past kings and nobles rise taller than ordinary people.
Inside, past the old wooden doors, you will immediately sense a drop in temperature. Cooler and more comfortable inside, you wouldn't want to rush your prayers. There are massive columns in each corner that swell in the middle sections. The old pulpit or 'minbar' where the Imam delivers his sermons is made of concrete with some carved wooden decorative elements on the archway with Quranic verses. There are green glazed ceramic blocks on the sides. The 'mihrab' is a simple, small, deep niche in the wall. It isn't as decorative as recent ones. Other than the pulpit, there are relatively few decorations inside the mosque."
nazif JT
"Indigenous Mosque, since 1605. First Mosques building by Sultan Alauddin, the King of Gowa-Tallo, Makassar Indonesia 🇮🇩"
Mustafa Muhammad As'ad
"This was a beautiful historical Masjid that I took some time to visit in my downtime during a work trip.
Make sure to go during afternoon prayer time if you want to get into the Masjid, otherwise it's closed."
Chris Goff
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Katangka Old Mosque by taking a taxi or ride-sharing service from Makassar city center. The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. While there aren't direct public transport routes specifically mentioned, local buses might pass nearby if you're adventurous. mentions general Makassar travel, implying local transport options exist.
Yes, there is usually parking available for visitors at the mosque complex. It's advisable to arrive a bit earlier if you're visiting during peak prayer times to secure a good spot. :car:
For ease and comfort, a taxi or ride-sharing app is recommended. This allows you to focus on the historical significance rather than navigating local transport. :taxi:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entrance fee to visit Katangka Old Mosque. However, donations are always appreciated to help with the upkeep of this historical site. :moneybag:
The mosque is an active place of worship, so it's best to visit during non-prayer times. It's often closed outside of afternoon prayer times, so check local schedules or aim for the afternoon. specifically advises visiting during afternoon prayer time.
No, advance booking is not required as there is no admission fee. Just ensure you visit during appropriate hours. :calendar:
Yes, you can visit during Ramadan, but be extra mindful of prayer times and the fasting schedule of worshippers. It might be more crowded during Iftar. :moon:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Modest attire is essential. Women should cover their heads, shoulders, and knees. Men should wear long pants and shirts covering their shoulders. emphasizes the importance of respectful dress.
Always be quiet and respectful. Avoid taking photos during prayer times. Remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall. :bow:
Allocate at least 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the historical architecture, the tombs, and the serene interior. suggests taking time to explore.
The mosque has thick brick walls and historical structures, which may present challenges for accessibility. It's best to inquire locally about specific accessibility features. :wheelchair:
Photography is generally allowed, but always be respectful and avoid taking pictures of people praying. Some areas might have restrictions. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the immediate vicinity might be limited, you can find various local eateries and restaurants in the broader Makassar area. It's advisable to explore the city center for more dining options. :forkandknife:
Eating is generally not permitted inside the prayer hall or sacred areas of the mosque. There might be designated areas outside the main building if available. :nofoodsymbol:
📸 📸 Photography
The ancient tombs, the unique architectural details of the pulpit, and the serene interior offer great photographic opportunities. The exterior, despite renovations, still holds historical charm. :camera:
Drone usage is typically restricted at religious sites. It's best to check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone. :drone:
Early morning or late afternoon light can provide beautiful, soft lighting for your photographs, enhancing the historical ambiance. :sunrise:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🕌 Religious Visitors
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
The mosque complex is also a significant historical site due to the presence of numerous tombs belonging to past kings and nobles of the Gowa and Tallo kingdoms. These tombs are notably massive, some towering over ordinary visitors, offering a tangible connection to the region's royal past. The architectural style of these tombs, along with the mosque's original features, provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural heritage of Makassar.
While the exterior has seen substantial renovations that may not reflect its original architectural design, the interior retains a sense of historical gravitas. The cool temperature inside, the massive columns, and the simple yet functional 'mihrab' and 'minbar' (pulpit) all contribute to an atmosphere of reverence and historical reflection. The 'minbar' itself is a notable feature, made of concrete with carved wooden decorative elements and Quranic verses, showcasing a blend of traditional craftsmanship and historical adaptation.
Architectural Features and Atmosphere
The 'minbar', or pulpit, is a key feature within the mosque. It's constructed from concrete and adorned with carved wooden decorative elements above the archway, featuring Quranic verses. Green glazed ceramic blocks are also visible on its sides, adding a touch of color and detail. In contrast, the 'mihrab', the niche indicating the direction of prayer, is described as simple and small, a departure from the more elaborate mihrabs found in more recent mosques.
Overall, the interior of Katangka Old Mosque is relatively understated in terms of decoration, focusing more on its structural elements and historical significance. This simplicity enhances the serene and contemplative atmosphere, making it a peaceful place for prayer and reflection. The blend of its historical past, evident in the ancient tombs and original features, with its present-day function as a place of worship, makes Katangka Old Mosque a unique and culturally rich destination.
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