Culture of Antananarivo. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

During a walk in Antananarivo, tourists can see many magnificent mansions and palaces. In the capital, there are still many landmarks of the colonial period. Without a doubt, Rova Ambohimanga palaces are one of the most prominent architectural landmarks of the region. The first palace of the area, Manjakamiadana, was built yet at the beginning of the 17th century. A century later, no less amazing palaces appeared nearby – Manampisoa, Andafiavaratra, and Tranavaluna. Besides fantastic palaces, during an excursion tourists will see tombs of kings who ruled the island in the 18th and 19th centuries. One of the palaces has been converted into a museum of history, which exhibition will help visitors to find out more about all important events in the life of the city and Madagascar in general.

Picturesque Independence Street is the best place for a stroll. There are many shops, restaurants, and cafes that are targeted at tourists. The biggest market on the island, Zuma, is located not far away. The variety of items for sale is so big that it is hard to choose what to purchase. Tourists will hardly find a better place to buy memorable gifts and souvenirs. If the primary aim is to purchase items by local craftsmen, consider visiting Andruvuhangi (Andhra Nuahangi).

These are not all architectural landmarks located not far from the trading district of Antananarivo. Such magnificent places as the Izutri Theater and the building of the National Library are, without a doubt, worth a visit. Fans of leisure walk and stroll in picturesque places will be very excited to attend Tsimbazaza Zoo and see its main inhabitants – cute lemurs. Besides the friendly and curious animals with long striped tails, guests of Tsimbazaza Zoo will see scary crocodiles, unhasting turtles, and many colorful birds. The zoo is also the location of the Academic Museum with skeletons of prehistoric animals being its main exhibits. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Antananarivo suburbs are also not deprived of interesting landmarks. For example, Ambohimanga Hill is one of such prominent places. This is the location of an ancient fortress and a palace that was a king’s residence in the past. Both the buildings were constructed yet in the 18th century. According to scientists, the hill was used for important religious ceremonies in the past, so many pilgrims still visit it. Nature fans simply cannot leave the island without a visit to Perinet Nature Reserve, which has become home to rare species of lemurs. However, frogs have become the main inhabitants of the reserve – there are more than eight hundred species of them. Besides that, the nature reserve is famous for its magnificent orchids that attract not only fans of eco-tourism but also all curious tourists.

The former home of Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony is another important landmark of the capital. It’s a magnificent pink colored palace in the baroque style that currently hosts the exhibition of a museum. The collection includes many items that once belonged to Merina kings and queens, and tells more about Rainilaiarivony himself and the three queens he married. It’s a great place for everyone who wants to learn more about that period in the country’s life. Unfortunately, the Merina crown jewels were stolen several years ago and until now they haven’t been recovered, but there are still many interesting and precious items to see.

Virtually no excursion in Antananarivo is possible without a visit to the Presidential Palace. This beautiful manor was constructed in the 19th century. For many years, it was an official residence of French diplomats. In 1975, it was decided to make the beautiful building the Madagascan Presidential Palace. It was the official residence of the country’s president until Didier Ratsiraka decided to build a more modern building in 1991. The historical palace hasn’t lost its title of an official residence, but it is mostly quiet these days.

The museums of the capital of Madagascar are of a special interest. Among them, it is important to mention the Musee de la Photographie de Madagascar. This museum is interesting in terms of the beautiful exhibits that are displayed in it, as well as for the reason that the building is of a great architectural value. The museum is located on the top of a hill. Inside the museum, you can learn about the history of the city by merely looking at old photos. You should also take a walk to the Pirate Museum. Here you can get to know the history of this phenomenon, which was once prevalent in Madagascar, not only in the Caribbean Sea. The museum is located on the fourth floor of a building, so you should be vigilant not to miss such an interesting establishment.

A gorgeous example of the colonial style in architecture is Le Palais de la Reine. It was built in the first half of the 19th century in honor of Ranavaluna, the first Queen of Madagascar. A little later, it was tiled with stone. However in 1995, it was burned down and has still not been restored since then. On its territory, you can find the crypts of the Madagascar Kings. In addition, after climbing the tower, you can see incredibly beautiful views. There is a beautiful panoramic view of the embankment in the form of a heart, and the stadium since it is the tallest building in the city (1,500 meters above the sea level).

Many tourists get acquainted with the city as soon as they step out of the railway station, and it should be stated that this building itself is a piece of architectural art. You will immediately be impressed by the elegance of the building. It is clear that the architects who worked on the project did not work in vain. After such sights, you get a deep desire to explore the city. Nevertheless, you should continue the acquaintance with the city from the house-museum of a person who made great contributions to the development of the country. We are referring to Jean Laborde, who as a matter of fact, played an important role in Madagascar’s history since he was the one that organized the first industrial production here. It is for this reason that you should not fail to visit the house where he lived and worked, in order for you to get better acquainted with the local culture.

There are some interesting religious monuments too in the capital of Madagascar. Cathedrale Catholique d Andohalo is one of them and it stands out from the others with its wonderful atmosphere, exquisite stained glass windows and spaciousness. Eglise de Faravohitra impresses visitors with its great aura of antiquity. The interior of the building is as beautiful as the exterior. The city also has beautiful parks, one of which is Parc Soavinandriamanitra, where you can see the local natural attraction – the Lemurs.