A trip back in time to Ambohimanga Rova

 
Relive the Malagasy monarchical era as if you were really there! While visiting the palace or Rova d'Ambohimanga, monuments and remains will restore the history of the Merina kingdom since the eighteenth century for you, especially if your visit is a guided tour. Ambohimanga is located about twenty kilometres from the city of Antananarivo, in the north-west. It was the fiefdom of kings Andrianjaka and his descendants: Andriantsitakatrandriana, Andriamasinavalona. This cultural site has been declared World Heritage of Humanity and recognised by its "Outstanding Universal Value" since December 16, 2001 during the 25th session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO in Helsinki.
 
Sacred Hill, sacred history
Ambohimanga is among the 12 sacred hills raised by King Andrianampoinimerina to symbolise the unification of Imerina and legitimise its power. This great king, son of Andriamiaramanjaka, sealed the unity of the kingdom by marrying 12 women from the rival villages and placed these hills under the authority of each one. Although Andrianampoinimerina only came to the throne in 1787 and conquered Imerina in 1794, the citadel of the "Blue Hill" (literal meaning of Ambohimanga) was erected around 1730. The royal city is surrounded by an impressive traditional wall built with 16million eggs. Seven royal portals encircle the Rova, one of the main ones being Ambatomitsangana, located east of the site. You can see the disk that blocked the access, more than four metres in diameter and weighing tons that required the strength of several dozen men to roll it.
 
 
Organisations and associations have always shown their interest in promoting the site, especially after the site is classified as World Heritage. Since then, the Office of the cultural site of the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga Rova or OSCAR organises regular events. As for MAMELOMASO, which has been devoting most of its activities to the restoration of the site since 2005, it has set up signage and a reception area for visitors; the seven Vavahady, a sacred fountain and ten kilometres of walkways have also been restored by this Association.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine January 2018

Useful Information

When to go

This site is open every day from 09h to 16h 30. There are many visitors on weekends, during the holidays or in case of an educational outing. A sacred place implies Fady or forbidden items to respect: pork, snails, onions are prohibited.

How to get there

Take National Road 3 to Ambohimanga and continue on the paved road on the left at PK 16. Allow half an hour from the city centre.

Where to stay

The Hotel Restaurant Relais du Rova is located in a beautiful and quiet environment where you will enjoy its soothing park with panoramic views of Ambohimanga and Ambohidrabiby.

Where to eat

The Ambohimanga Restaurant, right next to the Rova, offers quality Malagasy cuisine in a pleasant setting. The Maharitrafo Restaurant of the Rova Soavinimerina Relais also reserves a warm welcome with its international gourmet dishes and Malagasy specialities.

What to see

A 40-minute tour will take you through centuries of history. Discover the historic square of Ambatondrangotina, where the enthronement of King Andrianampoinimerina took place, where he proclaimed his royal decrees and edicts. Continue with the meeting room of ministers of the time, the rustic Andrianampoinimerina box, the house of Ranavalona III, last Queen of Madagascar. Then, follow with the Vavahady: Tsiombiomby, Andakana, Miandrivahiny ...; the vato masina (raised stone dedicated to worship) before discovering Amparihimasina. It was in this sacred lake that the fandroana or royal bath was held on the occasion of the Malagasy New Year.