Lawang Sewu, also known as the building with a thousand doors, is a historical landmark of Semarang. Originally built as the headquarters of the Dutch East Indies Railway Company, this building is rich in historical significance. For lovers of the spooky, many believe that this building is haunted.
In addition to its aesthetically fascinating colonial style, Lawang Sewu is also a draw for its tragic past. In 1942, it was used as a prison by the Japanese invaders, where several prisoners were executed. In 1945, the building was the center of the five-day Battle of Semarang, in which the Indonesian independence fighters were killed while fighting the Japanese soldiers. Five employees who worked there were also killed, and a monument commemorating the national heroes was erected in the courtyard.
In 2011, Lawang Sewu was inaugurated by First Lady Ani Yudhoyono and reopened to the public after extensive renovations. Buildings A and B of the complex can be visited and are often used for social and cultural activities and events.
Lawang Sewu is a historical and architectural landmark of the city of Semarang that should not be missed.