Indonesia, Central Java, 15th century, Andesite
Candi Kethek is built into the terraced landscape of Gunung Lawu, the tea-covered mountain that also houses the better-known sites of Candi Sukuh and Candi Cetho.
Candi Kethek is approached via an unpaved pathway that extends from an upper terrace of Candi Cetho’s northern side.
The path tracks along a steep ravine and then descends steeply to a waterfall.
Straight lines, right angles, and sheer faces on the boulders reveal that the waterfall’s basin was an ancient stone quarry. Proximity to a water source and this quarry likely factored into decisions about where on Gunung Lawu to build temples, which were constructed from the mountain’s stone.
The top of the temple is marked with a small thatch shrine that looks out over the steep ascent.
