Are you only spending a short time in Antananarivo? But you want to know more about the capital of Madagascar? We have selected for you the tourist sites to visit in half a day. Discover these places steeped in history located in the upper city.
1. The Museum of Photography of Madagascar
Located in the district of Anjoy, the Museum of Photography of Madagascar gathers nearly 4500 historical photographs, from the pre-colonial period to the independence of the Big Island in 1960. The museum houses four projection rooms, a hall and a garden for temporary exhibitions. The museum café is also a charming place to taste typical dishes of the country while enjoying a panoramic view of the city.
2. The Museum of Andafiavaratra
The Museum of Andafiavaratra was built in 1872 by the British architect William Pool. It was once the palace of the Prime Minister of Madagascar, Rainilaiarivony, husband of successive queens of Madagascar : Rasoherina, Ranavalona II and Ranavalona III. The Museum of Andafiavaratra contains several rare objects relating the history of the country. Among the most interesting are the remains of royal objects spared by the fire of the Queen's Palace in 1995. A detour to the Museum of Andafiavaratra provides a glimpse into the history of the highland kingdom.
3. The Queen's Palace
Perched on the highest hill of the capital, the palace of the Queen also called "Rova de Manjakamiadana" is undoubtedly the most emblematic site of Antananarivo. Visible for miles, the palace offers a 360 ° view of the city and its twelve sacred hills. It is a place steeped in history. The Rova contains many vestiges of the royal era such as the huts and the tombs of the kings or a church. Burned down in 1995, the monument is still being reconstructed, but remains accessible to visitors.
Bonus: The Law Courts of Ambatondrafandrana
On the way between the Museum of Andafiavaratra and the Queen's Palace, you can stop for a few minutes to discover the Palace of Justice of Ambatondrafandrana and its history. It is the work of John Parret and its architecture is reminiscent of Greek temples. The palace was a place of judgment at the time of Queen Ranavalona II.
Hire a competent guide is essential to understand and know the history of the city, the dynasties and the different buildings.