Fort Somba Opu
Benteng Somba Opu
Red-brick city wall ruins of the old royal capital of the Gowa Kingdom, with traditional stilt houses from South Sulawesi's ethnic groups on display across the site.
Fort Somba Opu was the royal capital and spice trading port of the Gowa Sultanate in the 16th and 17th centuries. It was abandoned after a combined Dutch and Bugis force captured it in 1669, and one section of red-brick wall survives. The site has been developed into a cultural park that showcases the traditional stilt houses of the Makassarese, Bugis, Toraja, and Mandar peoples of South Sulawesi, making it a good place to learn about local architecture. The park is large and rather quiet, so taking a taxi is recommended. It is about 7 km from the city center.
Opening hours
08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Akkarena Beach
- Trans Studio Makassar
- Losari Beach
- 99 Domes Mosque
- Tomb of Sultan Hasanuddin
- Balla Lompoa Museum
- Mandala Monument
- Fort Rotterdam