KANGJO.INFO, Yogyakarta. One of the most architecturally significant sites in Yogyakarta is the Goa Maria Tritis Religious Tourism Site. It is located in Bulu Hamlet, Giring Village, Paliyan District, Gunung Kidul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region. It is approximately 50 km from Yogyakarta City (approximately a 1.5-hour drive).
The author visited the Goa Maria Tritis on Sunday, July 27, 2025, with members of the Indonesian School Supervisors Association (APSI) from East Barito Regency, Central Kalimantan. “It turns out that the Goa Maria Tritis is a natural handiwork, or perhaps created directly by Almighty God, with beautiful stalagmite and stalactite ornaments, making it an extraordinary spot,” said Kang Jo.
Yogyakarta → Goa Maria Tritis Route
- Public Route (via Jalan Wonosari – approximately 50 km / 1.5 hours)
Start from Yogyakarta City (Zero Mile Point / Malioboro).
Follow the road east to Jl. Wonosari (East Ring Road – Jalan Wonosari).
Continue past Piyungan – Patuk – Bukit Bintang.
Continue along the main road until you reach Wonosari City (the capital of Gunung Kidul).
From Wonosari City, head south towards Paliyan.
Follow signs to Giring Village – Bulu Hamlet.
Maria Tritis Cave is located not far from the Wonosari-Paliyan Highway, with village road access accessible by private vehicles.
- Estimated Time & Distance
Private Car/Motorcycle: Approximately 1.5 hours (50–55 km).
Public Transportation:
Take a bus/Trans Jogja bus to Giwangan Terminal.
Continue by bus from Yogyakarta to Wonosari (approximately 1 hour).
From Wonosari, hire a motorcycle taxi or local vehicle to Goa Maria Tritis (approximately 20 minutes).
We came to the Goa Maria Tritis tourist attraction after attending the APSI National Coordination Meeting at The Rich Hotel Yogyakarta, consisting of Jumakir, S.Pd., MM (Chairman), Kalanahewu, S.Pd., MM (Treasurer), Santa Eliani, S.Pd., MM (Literacy Section) and Martihana, S.Pd., MM (Empowerment and Professionalism Enhancement Section)
- Transportation Options
🚘 Private/rented car → more flexible, suitable for groups or families.
🏍️ Private motorcycle → economical and faster on downhill/ascending roads.
🚌 Public bus → cheaper, but requires connecting with a motorcycle taxi from Wonosari.
🌿 Travel Notes
The Yogyakarta-Wonosari road is quite good, but there are uphill and downhill sections in the Patuk (Bukit Bintang) area.
The journey is quite scenic, with panoramic views of the karst hills typical of Gunung Kidul.
At night, the road tends to be quiet, so it’s safer to leave in the morning or afternoon.
🕰️ Brief History
Initially, this cave was only known as a hiding place for residents during the Japanese occupation.
Since the 1970s, local Catholics have made it a place of prayer and devotion.
It was inaugurated as a pilgrimage site on December 11, 1974, by Bishop. Justinus Darmojuwono (Archbishop of Semarang at the time).
The name “Tritis” comes from the word “tetes-tetes” (water dripping from the stalactites).
Special Features
This is one of the largest and oldest Marian caves in the Archdiocese of Semarang.
The serene, natural, and spiritual atmosphere makes it ideal for prayer and pilgrimage.
There is a statue of the Virgin Mary inside the cave, which serves as the center of prayer for the congregation.
The cave is surrounded by shady trees and limestone hills typical of Gunung Kidul, adding to the sacredness of this place.
🎉 Activities
Pilgrimages & Rosary Prayers (especially in May & October, the Marian Months).
Eucharistic celebrations & special Masses, such as the anniversary of the Marian Cave, Holy Week, and devotional events.
Many people from various regions come to pray, meditate, or simply seek peace.
🛠️ Facilities
A spacious parking area.
A well-maintained path leads to the cave.
A small hall and worship facilities are available.
There are local stalls selling simple food and drinks.
Visiting Tips
Come in the morning or afternoon for a more serene atmosphere.
Wear comfortable footwear, as the path to the cave is slightly downhill.
If attending mass or a pilgrimage, bring a rosary and candles.
Maintain decorum and silence, as this is a place of prayer.
✨ Goa Maria Tritis is not only a spiritual tourist destination for Catholics, but also a religious and cultural destination that reflects the harmony of the Gunung Kidul community. (kangjo)
