During a trip to Madagascar, it's quite natural for travelers to take time before appreciating Antananarivo. This city may seem to lack charm at first glance, but you need to know it to see its true face: a historic city dotted with 12 sacred hills, welcoming museums and entertainment venues, and locals who love to celebrate, socialize with friends and family.

Historic monuments in Antananarivo

The Twelve Sacred Hills of Imerina

At the end of the 18th century, to seal the unity of the Imerina kingdoms, Andrianampoinimerina consecrated 12 hills (12 being a sacred number), then married 12 women from rival villages. Each represented his authority over a sacred hill. These fortified villages were surrounded by hady (deep ditches), equipped with heavy stone gates, rovas and royal tombs. They are:

1. Ampandrana (on the site of the Iavoloha palace)
2. Imerimanjaka
3. Alasora
4. Ambohitrabiby
5. Analamanga
6. Antsahadinta
7. Ambohimanga
8. Ambohidratrimo
9. Ilafy
10. Kaloy
11. Atongona
12. Ambohimanambola (or the hill of treasures)

The Queen's Palace

The Queen's Palace is arguably Antananarivo's most emblematic site, even though the main building has not yet been fully restored since the November 1995 fire. It presides over the city's highest hill and offers an exceptional visit. The four palaces in precious wood, the temple and the royal tombs are exceptionally well preserved. The panorama over the city is simply grandiose! This former residence of Madagascar's kings and queens was built in wood in 1837 by Jean Laborde under Ranavalona I, then covered in stone in 1867 by James Cameron under Ranavalona II.

The Sacred Hill of Ambohimanga

The sacred hill of Ambohimanga was the starting point for Andrianampoinimerina's conquests. Today, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and houses the most precious heritage of Imerina. This fortified enclosure features a traditional stone wall and houses the one-room dwelling of Andrianampoinimerina, as well as two single-story wooden pavilions. The great king's small house still has its original furnishings (beds, spears, ladles, etc.), while the pavilions remain furnished. A guided tour reveals how kings, queens and dignitaries lived and celebrated significant events.

Museums in Antananarivo

The Paleontology Museum at Tsimbazaza Botanical Park

The Tsimbazaza Zoo houses a zoo with an arboretum, a paleontology museum and an ethnology museum. Beyond showcasing Madagascar's rich fauna and flora, the park also displays dinosaur fossils, including a vertebral column and bones. The centerpiece is arguably the complete skeleton of an elephant bird, standing 3 meters tall. During its lifetime, it weighed approximately 500 kg!

The Pirate Museum

The Pirate Museum is quite a unique place, located on the 4th floor of a building in the Tsaralàlana district. The owner, Swiss ethnologist Franz Stadelmann, reveals to the public the origins, rules and evolution of piracy through twenty displays. "Legends" are told here, notably that of Libertalia, the first pirate ship wrecked on the island in 1500. In addition to clues collected from the coasts of Sainte-Marie Island, historical evidence of pirates' presence in Madagascar is assembled in this place. You can also admire model ships and treasure chests!

The Madagascar Photography Museum

The Madagascar Photography Museum was inaugurated in February 2018 in Anjoy, a neighborhood in the Upper City. Present online since 2013, this museum materialized in a building with 19th-century architecture, typical of Antananarivo. Visitors discover Madagascar's history across 4 projection rooms and two exhibition spaces (a large hall plus the garden). The museum also features a relaxation and dining area: the Museum Café.

Nightlife and entertainment in the capital

Antananarivo's Markets

It's impossible to speak of Antananarivo without mentioning the legendary Zoma Market in Analakely. Since the royal era, everything has been sold here: fruits, vegetables, meats, various food products, utensils of all kinds, baskets, hats, clothing, fabrics, and more. Those familiar with Émile Ranarivelo's story in the novel Le Panama Malgache realize that some things haven't changed since the 19th century. For Malagasy crafts, several markets are recommended, notably those of Andravohangy and Digue Road.

Dining and Going Out in Antananarivo

Antananarivo boasts plenty of excellent restaurants representing every cuisine: Malagasy, Chinese, French, Thai, Korean, and beyond. Major hotels generally have quality restaurants, but the choice is broad. The neighborhoods most renowned for restaurants and lounge bars are Analakely, Soarano and Isoraka.