Candi Borobodur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world.  Built in the 9th century, under the Shailendra dynasty.  It is decorated with 504 Buddha statues (over 250 of which are missing their heads) and 72 additional Buddhas encased in a stupa (dome-shaped structure).  It was abandoned in the 14th century when Java converted to Islam. Hidden beneath volcanic ash, it remained undiscovered until the 19th century, when Java was captured by Britain.

Candi Prambanan is a 9th century Hindu temple, dedicated to Trimurti (triple deity of supreme divinity), Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva.  It is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, and second largest in SE Asia.  As the legend goes…a prince named Bandung Bondowoso wished to marry Roro Jonggrang, a beautiful princess.  To politely decline, she demanded that 1000 temples be built overnight, to which he agreed.  He recruited the help of a drove of spirits.  When 999 temples where build, Roro Jonggrang ordered the villagers to light fires, making the spirits believe the sun was rising, and forcing them to vanished. Outraged by her trickery, Bandung Bondowoso cursed Roro Jonggrang, turning her into a stone statue, completing the 1000 temples.