The Bali kingdom had reached its golden period in the administration, customary, art and cultural sector when it suceeded to free itself from the status under dominion of Majapahit kingdom (East Java). Majapahit kingdom fell in 1478. At the same time, the kingdom in Bali headquartered at Gelgel. During this era, the Kertha Gosa functioned as a meeting venue of kings from all over Bali. However, after the fall of Klungkung kingdom due to the all out warfare (28 april 1908), the Kertha Gosa functioned as court room of customary and religious affairs.

As a tourist object situated within the heart of the city, the sorroundings of the Kertha Gosa have been equipped with supporting facilities like bus parking lot, art shop, and supermarket and telecommunication services.

Onside you'll find the magnificient Taman Gili building sorrounded by a pond. This building is discernible when you enter the gate. In addition, you can also relish the allure of other objects such as the Semarajaya museum or Main Entrance Gate that continues to stand tenaciously.
The main gate can be interpreted as the largest gate used for entrance and exit. In days of the past, during the kingdom period, it was this main gate that was used as exit and entrance gate for the king. Up to this time, it remains 100% its original condition and has not been renovated yet.

It stands facing the north where it is the same as mountain-ward orientation in Hindu belief representing the sacred place. The Klungkung royal palace is situated right behind the main gate. On the left and right side of the main gate occurs the entry and exit gate, used by or passed through by the chief ministers when accompanying the King. Up to these days, its sacredness stays to be maintained.

At the main gate, there are effigies having a Portuguese look. According to some literatures, those effigies symbolize one of sovereignty forms of the Dutch after it controlled over the Klungkung kingdom. These effigies were made after the Dutch administration conquered the kingdom and denote the triumph of the Dutch.

To show the respect to the remains Klungkung kingdom, every Galungan and Kuningan feast days (once in 210 days), the Klungkung dwellers present some offerings at this place. It means to invoke the safety for the teritory of Klungkung in particular and world in general.