Explore Medan’s many fascinating historical attractions, from Maimun Palace to other historical sites that symbolize past glories.
Medan, the capital of North Sumatra Province, is known as a city with a rich history and diverse culture. From the Dutch colonial era to the Indonesian struggle for independence, Medan has witnessed many important events that shaped this nation.
Therefore, for those of you who are interested in history, Medan offers many historical sites and buildings to explore. Here are 10 historical tourist attractions in Medan that you must visit to experience the long history of this city firsthand.
1. Maimun Palace
Maimun Palace is one of the main icons of Medan and a symbol of the glory of the Deli Sultanate. Built in 1888, the palace was designed with architecture that combines European, Middle Eastern, and Malay styles.
As the residence of the sultanate family, Maimun Palace houses a large collection of historical objects that provide insight into the life of the sultan and his family.
The beauty of its magnificent interior, with golden nuances and classic ornaments, as well as the vastness of the building, make Maimun Palace a very interesting historical tourist destination in Medan.
With a backdrop of blue skies and lush gardens, Maimun Palace is also a very popular place to take pictures.
2. Al Mashun Grand Mosque
Al Mashun Grand Mosque, built in 1906, is one of the oldest and largest mosques in Medan. This mosque is a witness to the history of the development of Islam in this city.
Having a magnificent architecture with Middle Eastern, Indian, and Spanish influences, Al Mashun Grand Mosque is not only a place of worship, but also one of the fascinating historical tourist attractions.
With its tall towers and spacious interior, this mosque is the center of religious and cultural activities for Muslims in Medan. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the mosque’s architecture while understanding the history and culture of Islam that has developed in this city.
3. Tjong A Fie Mansion
Tjong A Fie Mansion is a house that was once owned by a successful Chinese businessman in Medan, Tjong A Fie.
The building, built in the early 20th century, has a very charming colonial architectural design, with typical Chinese ornaments that combine European elements. This mansion not only served as a private residence, but also became the center of Tjong A Fie’s business.
Now, this mansion has been opened to the public as a museum that displays a collection of Tjong A Fie’s personal belongings, including art and artifacts that provide insight into his life and contributions to the city of Medan.
Visiting Tjong A Fie Mansion provides an opportunity to understand more deeply about the influence of the Chinese community in the history of Medan’s development.
4. London Sumatra Building (Lonsum)
The London Sumatera Building or Lonsum is one of the iconic historical buildings in Medan. Built in 1930, this building was used by a large plantation company which at that time managed rubber and oil palm plantations in North Sumatra.
With its Art Deco architecture, the building is a symbol of the economic progress that occurred in Medan at that time.
Although it now functions as a company office, Lonsum remains an interesting place to visit, because of its charming building and its history that reflects the economic strength of Medan during the colonial era.
5. St. Joseph’s Cathedral
St. Joseph Cathedral is the largest and oldest Catholic church in Medan, built in the early 20th century. This church has a very beautiful architecture, combining European and local elements.
As a place of worship for Catholics in Medan, this church is also a center for religious and cultural activities. St. Joseph Cathedral offers tranquility for visitors who want to enjoy classical architecture and understand more about the history of Christianity in the city of Medan.
6. Medan Heroes Cemetery
Medan Heroes Cemetery is located on Jalan Medan Merdeka and is a resting place for the heroes who fought for Indonesian independence.
This tomb is decorated with monuments that commemorate the services of the independence fighters who played an important role in the history of Medan and the Indonesian nation.
This place is a historical site revered by the people of Medan, and visiting it provides an opportunity to reflect on the great sacrifices made by the heroes.
7. North Sumatra Provincial State Museum
The North Sumatra Provincial State Museum houses various collections depicting the history and culture of Medan and North Sumatra as a whole.
Inside the museum, visitors can find cultural artifacts, traditional weapons, textiles, and collections of flora and fauna originating from the area.
The museum is also a great place to learn about the history of Medan, including the ethnic, cultural, and industrial developments that shaped the city’s identity.
8. Srivijaya Temple
Sriwijaya Temple is an archaeological site located in Medan City and is a relic of the Srivijaya Kingdom.
Although this temple is not as large as other temples scattered around Indonesia, Sriwijaya Temple remains an important symbol in the history of Medan, as part of a large kingdom that once ruled Sumatra and its surroundings.
Visiting Sriwijaya Temple gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about the Srivijaya civilization and its influence on the Medan region.
9. East Mountain Temple
Vihara Gunung Timur is one of the largest and oldest monasteries in Medan, with beautiful Chinese architecture. This monastery is the center of activities for Buddhists in the city of Medan and is also an interesting tourist spot.
With various cultural ornaments that reflect the life of the Chinese community, Vihara Gunung Timur is an important site in the history and culture of Medan.
10. Merdeka Square
Merdeka Square is the center of Medan city which serves as a meeting place for the community and also a witness to various historical events.
Around the square, there are several historical buildings, including the Medan City Hall Building and ancient churches that show the blend of cultures in this city.
Merdeka Square is also an important place in various public ceremonies, and is always busy with the activities of the Medan community.
Medan is a city full of history and culture. From Maimun Palace to Sriwijaya Temple, Medan’s historical sites offer a valuable experience for tourists who want to understand more about Indonesian history.
The cultural diversity and historical influences in Medan, highlighted by attractions like The Le Hu Garden, provide a complete picture of how the city developed into one of the largest cities in Indonesia.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit these historical sites and enrich your knowledge of Medan’s history.
