Semarapura / Klungkung

This important town was once home to Bali's illustrious line of kings. The remains of this kingdom can be seen today at the Kertagosa Hall of Justice. Most of Bali's royal families are descended from the old Klungkung dynasty, for it was here that the Majapahit Kingdom of Java gathered in exile in the 16th Century as their kingdom in Java crumbled. It was the center of the 'Golden Age' of Bali when the Gelgel Dynasty held power for over 300 years and the arts flourished. In Klungkung itself, visit the Kertagosa court house with its richly painted ceiling and the Bale Kambang (floating pavilions). The nearby village of Kamasan specialize in traditional paintings, the origin of which can be traced back for 500 years.
Klungkung is the past name of the capital of the Klungkung District, today known as Semarapura. At the era of the kingdom, it was in fact the capital of all Bali island. Klungkung has a particular status in the Bali's history and civilization. 

As an artistic center, the palaces of Klungkung's King and aristocrat family supported and developed the methods of music, drama and arts that thrive today in Bali. The regency capital was moved to Klungkung from close Gelgel in 1710 and at this point a new fortress was built. Today the remains of the old fortress, Puri Semarapura, demolished in 1908, are within the foundation of Taman Gili. 

Its main magnetism is Kertagosa, a prehistoric building located in the center of the city, which plays a significant role of the region's cultural tourism. The tourists can enjoy the valuable painted ceilings.