The guardian statues in the inner courtyard of Pura Maospahit are among the few pieces that survived the earthquake of the early 20th century. They stand among red brick walls, and they give a quiet clue to how old this temple is. Its roots are thought to go back to the 14th century, and it is built in the style of the Majapahit peak. That style relies on red brick, not on the dark carved stone you see at many other Balinese temples.
Visiting Pura Maospahit
| Type | religious |
|---|---|
| Getting there | On Jl Sutomo |
| Address | Jl Sutomo |
| Map | Open the map |
Most of the temple was destroyed in that earthquake, so what you see is a mix of rebuilt walls and original remnants. The mood is calm and a little worn. Few tourists come here, so there is every chance you will have the place to yourself. It is a good stop for anyone who wants to see old Bali beyond the busy coastal sights.
Red brick from the Majapahit age
The first thing to notice is the colour. Pura Maospahit is built largely from red brick, which is typical of temples from the peak of the Majapahit period. Brick gives the walls a warm, earthy tone and a plain, solid look. Take a moment to look at how the bricks are laid and how the surfaces have aged.
The name itself points to the Majapahit link, the old Javanese kingdom whose influence shaped Balinese religion and art. The temple's history is described as long and glorious. That is easy to believe when you stand beside the weathered walls.
The guardian statues and what the earthquake left
The earthquake did great damage here, and much of the temple was lost. Yet some original remnants remain. The best known are the guardian statues in the inner courtyard. Guardian figures like these are placed to watch over a sacred space, and here they are among the oldest things you can see.
Spend your time in the inner courtyard. Look at the faces and the worn surfaces of the statues, and compare them with the brick around them. The contrast between what was rebuilt and what survived is the real story of the visit.
A quiet corner on Jl Sutomo
The temple stands on Jl Sutomo. It is a charming place that tourists seldom visit. That means you can walk around slowly, take photos without a crowd, and stay as long as you like.
Because it is a working religious site, treat it with the same respect you would give any Balinese temple. Keep your voice low and dress modestly. A quiet visit suits the place best.
Museums and monuments close by
Several good stops sit near the temple. The Bali Museum is the natural partner, because it deals with the island's history and culture, the same theme as this old brick temple. Taman Wedhi Budaya Cultural Centre is also close, and it is a place for Balinese arts.
If you want to go further, Museum Agung Bung Karno and the Bajra Sandhi Monument are also nearby. Together these stops make a varied day in the city, with Pura Maospahit as the calm, old-world pause between them.
Before you go
What is Pura Maospahit?
It is an ancient temple thought to date from the 14th century. It is built largely from red brick, in the style typical of the peak of the Majapahit period.
Is Pura Maospahit crowded?
No. Tourists seldom visit it, so there is every chance you will have the temple to yourself.
What can you still see of the original temple?
Much of it was destroyed in the early 20th century earthquake. Some original remnants survive, including the guardian statues in the inner courtyard.
Where is Pura Maospahit and what is nearby?
The temple is on Jl Sutomo. Nearby places include the Bali Museum, Taman Wedhi Budaya Cultural Centre, Museum Agung Bung Karno and the Bajra Sandhi Monument.
Near Pura Maospahit
- Bali Museum (1.02 km)
- Taman Wedhi Budaya Cultural Centre (2.63 km)
- Museum Agung Bung Karno (2.66 km)
- Bajra Sandhi Monument (3.29 km)
Tours
More things to do: things to do in Bali.