For almost a thousand years (from the 10C to 1815), this stunning site was hidden from the world by lava from Mt Merapi and the forest. It must be viewed from a vantage point such as the surrounding hills to appreciate its mandala layout, "navel of the world" placed at the centre of a corrie of volcanoes and comprising a circular initiatory route going upwards towards the sky. This unique sanctuary is in fact a giant stupa, or dome, a pyramid with 10 levels decorated with 1 460 reliefs and more than 500 statues of Buddha.