Candi Ratu Boko (Queen Boko Temple) is archaeological site located among a hill, called the Boko Hills. This site is located 196 m above the sea level, on the highest point in the site, there is a small pavilion from which you are able to see a panoramic view of Prambanan temple with Mount Merapi as the background. It is approximately 3 kilometers away from Prambanan Temple complex.

The name “Boko” was actually originated from the legendary king, King Boko, mentioned in the Loro Jonggrang folk tale. The temple was built during the reign of Rakai Panangkaran in , a royal descendent of Wangsa Syailendra Kindom. Although the site is allegedly built during the reign of Rakai Panangkaran, whom the site was actually built by, is still a mistery until now. During the past, the site was built as a meditation place for the royal family. It is divided into four main areas : the middle, the east, the west and the south east.

In the middle, you will find the main gate of the site, a 3-meter high gate that borders the site with the outer area. It is read on the main gate Panabwara that was written by Rakai Panabwara, descendant of Rakai Panangkaran. He carved his name there in order to legitimate his authority of this palace. Entering the main gate, you will find a big yard which consists of 2 temples, Candi Batu Putih (White Rock Temple) which is made out of white limestone and Candi Pembakaran (Burning Temple) which serves as a crematorium to burn corpses. Just meters away from the Burning Temple, is located the sacred pools, where local inhabitants believed can bring fortune to those who has faith for it. The pool was used by the Hindunese for a ritual they perform called Tawur Agung.

In the Eastern area, you can find two caves, the higher one called Gua Lanang (Man’s Cave) and the lower one called Gua Wedok (Woman’s Cave), a large pool and a Buddha’s Stupa in a very discreet location. In the western area, you may find a large quantity of rocky hills where you can view the beautiful panorama of nature in. And at the south eastern area lies the Pendopo (Audience Hall). It is a square stone enclosure that’s surrounded by andesite stone wall. Just south of the Pendopo are miniature temples with square basin in front of each. These temples serve as some kind of shrine in the Ratu Boko Complex. On the Eastern side of the Pendopo is the Kaputren (women’s quarter), an enclosed area covered by andesite stone leading to several pools. This site is believed to be the pleasure garden for the King and his concubines.

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