Appreciate the houses in varangues of Ambalavao

 

Ambalavao town located on the RN7, 56 kilometers south of Fianarantsoa forms the border between the Highlands and the South. This city of about 30 000 inhabitants nestle in the heart of the granite mountains with the sweet name of "the woman lying", " three sisters ", of " Rock of Infandana " And also the massive " Andringitra ". Several sacred sites testify clashes between the Betsileo and Merina tribes (ethnic group of the Antananarivo region ).

 

This small town is known for its beautiful houses in Varangues with decorated balustrades. The verandas are the heritage and the pride of Ambalavao . One of the cultural riches of Ambalavao is its architecture of houses with veranda. This style was initiated by the Englishman James Cameron, from 1865 in Antananarivo and was then popularized in the highlands campaigns. The balusters of the verandas are made of perforated wood forming various patterns and the gable of the roof is frequently extended by a carved ornament in the shape of a point. This architecture is particularly remarkable around the small market of the city where are aligned these houses presenting halfway between traditional and colonial.

 

The center of the city is punctuated by the hammer against scrap dealers, zebus’ hooves and horns of tuk - tuks. All this, creates a festive hubbub expressing the joviality of the Betsileo. While strolling in the small streets, you will meet some craftsmen such as the " carts manufacturers Stonecutters and cabinetmakers.

 

This article was featured in Prime Magazine June 2018