4 / 5 - One review
How to get there
Nine miles from Antananarivo by car/coach
When to go
From April to October (dry season), hurricane risk from end of December to mid-April
Ambohimanga (Madagascar)
©
Thinkstock
Practical information about Ambohimanga
Reviews of Ambohimanga
Ambohimanga means “blue hill” , alongside of which you can add the title of royal. The site is listed as a World Heritage Site . It is evidence of three centuries of a mighty royal power, between the 16th and 19th centuries and affords a lovely cultural adventure when you visit Antananarivo .
Summary:
Ambohimanga is the ancient capital of Madagascar . It is one of the 12 sacred hills surrounding Antananarivo that are important historical symbols: king Andrianampoinirimerina (lord central to Imerina) unified them after the capture of Tana in 1794. Ambohimanga was also the site of the royal tombs until 1897, when Gallieni decided to have them transferred. Prior to this, the city was considered sacred and as such forbidden to foreigners.
Today, the site is still a place of worship and pilgrimage. The fortified city has many gates, including “Miandrivahiny”, one of only two entrances corpses were allowed to pass through! On Fidasiana square, in front of the Rova, lies the sacred stone on which Andrianampoinirimerina was enthroned.
©
Thinkstock
194 travellers' photos
