The Sacred Hill in Madagascar
During your vacation in Madagascar, you have countless opportunities to explore the island’s rich history at various locations. Discover the fascinating history of Madagascar and learn all about monarchies, kingdoms, and dynasties on the island. A particularly great place for a kind of living history lesson is located about 22 kilometers from the Malagasy capital.
Antananarivo is home to the famous Blue Hill known as Ambohimanga. This site is widely regarded as a cultural and spiritual center in Madagascar, with numerous rules that must be respected. Ambohimanga Rova was the former seat of kings in Madagascar and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Diverging significantly from European standards of the time, many of our tours starting or ending directly in Antananarivo offer you the opportunity to take a trip to Ambohimanga Rova. This includes, for example, our individual journey from Antananarivo to Tulear, as well as our Nature Lover Tours which can be designed in a way that allows you to visit Ambohimanga Rova at the beginning or end of your trip.
The Seat of Kings in Madagascar
Ambohimanga Rova refers to equally the location as well as the Palace of the Kings that was built at this site. The largest construction projects were carried out during the reign of the Merina king Andrianampoinimerina. The oldest parts of the complex date back to the period between 1740 and 1745. The most impressive way to experience this sacred place is by approaching it on foot via the steep but paved road. While you can also drive directly to the site, the parking situation on site is far from ideal and since the Royal Hill is a popular destination for locals as well, it can be crowded at times. Avoid long waiting times.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted under some wooden pavilions, which were a donation from Japan. To get a closer look at the Royal Palace, you will need to pay a moderate entrance fee. If desired, you can also book a guide for an additional fee, although this is not necessary as the palace can be easily explored on your own. To enter the Rova, or palace, you must climb an impressive staircase and pass by two sacred fig trees. On the left side of the entrance, you will see a sacred stone with remnants of animal blood and wax. The interior of the Rova provides an impressive glimpse into the taste of the Merina kings and represents one of the most impressive architectural structures in Madagascar. A ten-meter high rosewood column supports the building inside, the typically steep gabled roof reminiscent of an Asian style, there is a surrounding balcony and a colorful border. The interior of the palace represents a mixture of various styles and eras and is therefore a distinctive feature. Discover Chinese silk wallpapers, French Baroque furniture, Victorian silver, and much more in this unique setting. If you want to explore the former royal residence on your journey through Madagascar, we can. We can arrange a tailor-made travel plan for you. You can choose from the various offers in our catalog of individual trips or we can create a personalized itinerary just for you. Either way, we look forward to hearing from you.
