A Day Out in Tana, Antananarivo, Madagascar
Of course a trip to Madagascar is always going to be focused mainly on its unique wildlife. Endemic species such as lemurs and chameleons will be top of everyone鈥檚 must-see list, ours included. But sometimes it鈥檚 nice to take a break from these and to see something of the island鈥檚 human population and their culture. With that in mind, we scheduled a day out in Tana, the capital.
Madagascar鈥檚 capital city actually has a very long name, Antananarivo, which is a bit of a tongue twister. Luckily, most people, including locals, abbreviate it to Tana. It was established in the early 17th century as the capital of the Merina kingdom which covered much of this part of the island. Their king, Andrianjaka, built a rova (fortified royal dwelling) on one of its hills which expanded to become the kingdom鈥檚 royal palace. It was that rova, or rather its very recent reconstruction, that was one of the highlights of our tour.
This isn鈥檛 a single building, although one dominates, but an entire complex. We learned that the all of it had burned down in 1995 shortly before it was due to be inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (possibly an accident, possibly arson: our guide here, Jackie, wouldn鈥檛 be drawn on which she thought it was). This reconstruction has only recently opened, delayed by Covid. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
Madagascar鈥檚 capital city actually has a very long name, Antananarivo, which is a bit of a tongue twister. Luckily, most people, including locals, abbreviate it to Tana. It was established in the early 17th century as the capital of the Merina kingdom which covered much of this part of the island. Their king, Andrianjaka, built a rova (fortified royal dwelling) on one of its hills which expanded to become the kingdom鈥檚 royal palace. It was that rova, or rather its very recent reconstruction, that was one of the highlights of our tour.
This isn鈥檛 a single building, although one dominates, but an entire complex. We learned that the all of it had burned down in 1995 shortly before it was due to be inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (possibly an accident, possibly arson: our guide here, Jackie, wouldn鈥檛 be drawn on which she thought it was). This reconstruction has only recently opened, delayed by Covid. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
How it works: The full article is featured in the app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" on Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Download the app to your mobile device to read the article offline and create a self-guided walking tour to visit the sights featured in this article. The app's navigation functions guide you from one sight to the next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 911爆料网 App
Sights Featured in This Article
Guide Name: A Day Out in Tana
Guide Location: Madagascar » Antananarivo
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Sarah Wilkie
Read it on Author's Website:
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Madagascar » Antananarivo
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Sarah Wilkie
Read it on Author's Website:
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- The Rova
- Manjakamiadana
- church
- coliseum
- Tsarahafatra
- president鈥檚 former palace
- bust of a former president
- Queen鈥檚 Stairs
- Avenue de Independence
The Most Popular Cities
/ view all