Antananarivo Introduction Walking Tour, Antananarivo

Antananarivo Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Antananarivo

Antananarivo, also called Tana, is the most attractive and visited city in Madagascar. The fact that there are unusual places to hold one's interest makes it a unique place for anyone's vacation. The city's geographical location and culture make for a collection of beautiful things to see. Follow this orientation walk to discover the most attractive sights of Antananarivo!
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Antananarivo Introduction Walking Tour Map

Guide Name: Antananarivo Introduction Walking Tour
Guide Location: Madagascar » Antananarivo (See other walking tours in Antananarivo)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 8
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.8 Km or 3.6 Miles
Author: Dee
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • The Rova of Antananarivo
  • The Andafivaratra Museum
  • Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Antananarivo
  • Anosy Lake
  • Ambohitsorohitra Palace
  • Pirate Museum
  • Antananarivo Railway Station
  • Faravohitra Church
1
The Rova of Antananarivo

1) The Rova of Antananarivo (must see)

The Rova of Antananarivo is a royal palace complex in Madagascar that served as the home of the sovereigns of the Kingdom of Imerina in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as the rulers of the Kingdom of Madagascar in the 19th century.

Located in the central highland city of Antananarivo, the Rova occupies the highest point on Analamanga, formerly the highest of Antananarivo's many hills. Merina king Andrianjaka, who ruled Imerina from around 1610 until 1630, is believed to have captured Analamanga from a Vazimba king around 1610 or 1625 and erected the site's first fortified royal structure. Over time, the number of buildings within the site varied. Andrianjaka founded the Rova with three buildings and a dedicated tomb site in the early 17th century.

Manjakamiadana was built in two stages. The original palace, built between 1839 and 1840 on the orders of Ranavalona I, was built entirely in wood by Jean Laborde. On the night of 6 November 1995, a fire broke out in the Rova compound, destroying or severely damaging all of its buildings. The original exterior of Manjakamiadana comprised over 70,000 granite stones, of which approximately 20,000 had become cracked during the fire and needed replacement.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
2
The Andafivaratra Museum

2) The Andafivaratra Museum (must see)

The Andafivaratra Museum is a true heritage complex, located at the top of the Haut-Ville neighbourhood. The palace belonged to Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony, who was smart enough to marry three heir queens in a row and virtually rule the country from behind the righteous throne. It is a beautiful pink palace built in Baroque style. The furniture, portraits and other things that belonged to the king and his queens (Queen Ranavalona, Queen Victoria) are still there. The exhibits are described in English and French. There is also an immense throne, a crown and jewels and other valuable objects and clothes that can be seen.
3
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Antananarivo

3) Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Antananarivo

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Antananarivo was established in 1841, with a beautiful widely-paved driveway. The cathedral is built in Gothic style. The face is decorated with stained-glass rosette window, flanked by gabled bell-towers. The interior is largely designed with decorative painted walls. The side-wall, stained, flamboyant windows have an attractive form and pretty colours and the ceiling is covered with hardwood, painted in blue shades that suggest the azure skies. Outside the building there is a grotto of the Lady of Lourdes.
4
Anosy Lake

4) Anosy Lake

The Anosy Lake is the municipal lake located in the centre of Antananarivo, a few minutes from the Mahamasima Stadium. It's surrounded by beautiful Madagascar jacaranda trees. There is a trail leading to the middle of the lake, where there is a memorial established in honour of the Malagasy soldiers who participated in WWI, defending France. It's called "The Black Angel" and is decorated with laurels.
5
Ambohitsorohitra Palace

5) Ambohitsorohitra Palace (must see)

The Ambohitsorohitra Palace is a presidential palace in the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo. It has only a symbolic role and is not a residence of the president.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
6
Pirate Museum

6) Pirate Museum (must see)

The Pirates Museum of Antananarivo is located close to the central railway station. Here the visitors can learn about the history of old Madagascar. Approximately 300 years ago, pirates discovered for themselves this yet uncolonized island and it quickly became their secret hideout land. Now the museum has records of the detailed stories and keeps various artifacts, original and replicas.
7
Antananarivo Railway Station

7) Antananarivo Railway Station

The Railway Station is an old construction and has been neglected for a while but it was still in need of restoration. The building bears 19th century colonial features. So it was restored in 2008. You can find some useful boutiques and a tourist office. Outside you will find a nice Café de la Gare, where people used to kill time while waiting. Outside the building, in the parking area, you can find other boutiques where you can buy precious stones from the merchants.
8
Faravohitra Church

8) Faravohitra Church

The Faravohitra Church is a Roman Catholic Church built in 1870 by architect Cameron. The building was dedicated to John the Baptist. It is located in the Haut-Ville. Built in terracota brick, the church bears Romanesque features, especially noting the arched windows, and it is remarkable from a distance for its high-gabled bell tower, decorated by clocks on either side of it.