Fianarantsoa, under the protective eye of the Blessed Virgin

 
Capital of the Haute Matsiatra region, the city of Fianarantsoa is a must-see landmark on the "route du Sud". It has many unique tourist attractions in Madagascar. The unmistakable statue of the Virgin Mary, one of the most visited attractions.
 
Fianarantsoa is situated 242 Km from Antsirabe. Arriving at Fianarantsoa, portal of the southern region of Madagascar, the statue of the Holy Virgin Mary immediately attracts the eye. Located at the top of Kianjasoa Hill in the Ambatomena district, the statue is placed on a rock, which is why it is visible from afar.
 
The statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built in 1960 by the architect Frère Ruyant in memory of My Lord Xavier Thoyet. The actual date of the completion of the work remains a debate, Brother Baltazar, one of the builders, mentioned that the statue was made the month of October 1957 and was inaugurated on December 8, 1957. According to the Fianarois, the statue of the Holy Virgin is sacred; it was built to protect Christians, and to avoid bad spells. Until today the diocese of the Catholic Church of Fianarantsoa organises pilgrimages on site. This year the dioceses will mark 60  years of pilgrimage to the statue.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine December 2017

 

 
 

 

Useful Information

When to go

A climate of Fianarantsoa is of a temperate and warm type, you can go all the year except during the cyclonic seasons between the months of February and April.

How to get there

By car, it takes 6 hours to reach Fianarantsoa from Antananarivo. To reach the statue of the virgin, take the bus 22 or 23, the bus stops in Ambozontany, walk half an hour to reach the statue.

Where to stay

At the Hotel Soafia and hotel Vannie, located in the heart of Fianarantsoa city. You also have the possibility to choose your accommodation in Zomatel, Soratel, Bed and Breakfast Villa Sylvestre or Le Cotsoyannis ...

Where to eat

At the Tsara Guest House Restaurant which offers European specialities, La Surprise Betsileo restaurant for typical Malagasy dishes. At Lac Hôtel, the chef's speciality: wild duck hunted by the owner himself. Also: the Little Food or the Golden Dragon.

What to see

During your trip to Fianarantsoa do not forget to see the old town which is located along the passageway before arriving at the statue of the Holy Virgin. Besides the statue, the view is magnificent, the whole city in panorama. Do not forget to visit the Fianarois artisans known for their talent.