The central Highlands, at an altitude of 1 000m, cover three-quarters of Madagascar’s total surface area. It is the region of the Merina, an ethnic group which unified the country in the 19C. The Highlands are also home to the colours of the Madagasc..

Built on top of the highest hill in Antananarivo , the royal city was home to the tombs, temples and palaces of the Merina dynasty from the 17C onwards. Since 1995, when an arson attack ravaged this seat of power, the Rova has been undergoing restor..

To symbolise the unification of the Imerina, King Andrianampoinimerina (1787-1810) sanctified the twelve hills surrounding Antananarivo . The most interesting, that of Ambohimanga , comprises a city, a funerary site and a group of sacred areas list..

An extraordinary 360° view across the rice fields of the Highlands is the reward for an ascent of this sacred hill, occupied by an archaeological site. At the top of this rocky peak, at an altitude of 1 500m, two small local museums are housed in r..

Andravoahangy market , the largest in Antananarivo , has an authentic atmosphere and sells a range of craft products, while the popular Petite Vitesse market , which runs alongside an old railway track, specialises in food produce. The colourful ..

Heading away from the Soarano railway station, this main thoroughfare in the heart of the lower town of Antananarivo recalls the period of French colonisation, with its fine arcaded buildings. Recently renovated, the Avenue de l’Indépendance is now..

The impressive Andafiararatra Palace was built in 1872 for the Prime Minister, Rainilaiarivony. Having served as a barracks, court house, fine arts school and then an official residence, it is now home to the art collections of the Rova (royal obje..

Fringed with jacaranda trees, the purple flowers of which blossom in November, the man-made Lake Anosy is home to a small island. A tall war memorial known as the Black Angel , which commemorates the Madagascan soldiers who died in the First World W..

The former property of the Prime Minister of Queen Ranavalona, Lake Alarobia is an important refuge for the birds of the Highlands . Herons, egrets and kingfishers dart around this green oasis situated right in the centre of the city. A privately ow..

Ambohitsorohitra Palace, once the headquarters of the colonial administration, then home to the French Embassy, stands perched on a hill overlooking the centre of the capital. Now the official residence of the Madagascan president, the palace was des..