CENTER HIGHLANDS

ANTANANARIVO

Antananarivo (for short Tana) is the nation's capital city. Antananarivo belongs to the Merina ethnic group. Ten per cent of the population of Madagascar is found in Antananarivo, that is to say 20 million inhabitants.

Historically, the city was built on twelve sacred hills including the Royal Palace which is found on the top of the hill such as the Ambohimanga Palace and the famous Queen's Palace known as the Rova. Upon arrival, trying to glance at the city, it is hard to grasp an overall view of the town since Antananarivo has 12 hills which are combined of low and high areas.

Low cities include Analakely (the town centre with beautiful boulevard and Avenue de l'independence ending to the railway station), Ambohijatovo, and Mahamasina.

High cities are Antaninarenina where there is the working place of the president, Andohalo (close to the Rova), and Faravohitra. Right upon the hill, you can notice the ruined Queen's palace known as the Rova.

Antananarivo has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.

Dry season is from May to September; the temperatures are very cooler between July and August whereas the rainy season starts from October to April.

WHAT TO SEE AND TO DO?

ROVA (Queen's Palace)

The capital offers us many interesting places to go to with its old tradition palaces including the Rova where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the whole town.

From 17th till 19th century, the Rova used to be the residence of the Kings and the Queens. Also, the Rova was formerly known as the spiritual centre of the Merina people. It was destroyed by the fire in November 6, 1995 but which is currently under reconstruction.

PRIME MINISTER'S PALACE (the Palace of Andafiavaratra)

It used to be a residential place of the former Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony who married three Queens. It is now a museum that houses few precious items saved from the burnt Rova.