The Royal Palaces of Rova Manjakamiadana in Antananarivo
Manjakamiadana means “Where it is easy to reign”
The building with the impressive Rova was constructed in several phases on the site of a small wooden pavilion from the reign of Andrianampoinimerina. In 1839, Ranavalona I asked Jean Laborde to build a palace in the Tranovola style.
Like the old royal pavilions, the structure of the building rested on a huge central pillar carved from a rosewood trunk (1m in diameter, 39m high) brought by a slave army from the forests of the East, and its construction took about fifteen days.
In 1841, Manjakamidadana was established as a 30… A wooden palace, 18 meters long and 6 meters wide, with six stacked rooms is presented. The tall columns supporting the galleries of the first two floors helped to balance the proportions of the building. The palace was painted white, except for the balustrades on the upper floors, which were red and black.
In the years 1869-1872, James Cameron adorned the palace at the request of Queen Ranavalona II with a ashlar stone frame, including a gallery and four Italian-style corner towers. Since permanent buildings were then the exclusive prerogative of the deceased, the queen called upon astrologers and priests to seek the blessing of her ancestors before.
Discover the “royal ancestral edict” that defined this construction standard.
During the Republic, painting collections were installed in the two large rooms on the ground floor and second floor, as well as under the crystal chandeliers of the former throne room on the first floor. The gilded wooden throne, royal ceremonial clothing, jewelry, palanquins, precious draperies, and other testimonies of past splendor were also displayed.
Besakana, “the well-preserved”.
This pavilion was built around 1800 at the request of King Andrianampoinimerina following the same principles as Mahitsielafanjaka. It was located near the Besakana of Andrianjaka. 
Discover the symbol of the emerging royal dynasty.
The Royal Temple
Designed by William Pool for Ranavalona II and the Prime Minister, who were baptized on February 21, 1869. The cornerstone was laid on July 20, 1869. Subsequently, the people graciously provided 35,000 ashlar stones, the finest wood, and the best workers as demanded by the “service of the king.” Construction took place between 1872 and 1880.
Mahitsielafanjaka, “A righteous spirit reigns for a long time.”
Mahandrihono, the royal pavilion of Ambohimanga, served as a model for this house built around 1796.
The prototype of former royal residences, this 6m x 4m single-room building with rosewood walls and an 18m high thatched roof defined the architectural style in Imerina for three centuries.
It housed the elevated bed of King Andrianampoinimerina, where he in turn received his twelve wives, a fireplace, kitchen utensils, some weapons, seats, and a table.
Tranovola “The Silver House”.
Louis Gros built around 1820 at the request of Radama I the first royal building with floors, glass windows, verandas, and a shingled hipped roof.
The silver bells that the The palace was adorned with a bronze eagle imported from France, similar to the one on the veranda, which gave it its name. Commissioned by Ranavalona I, the palace was demolished and replaced in 1845 by a larger but similarly striking residence for the future Radama II. The walls of the grand audience and reception hall on the ground floor were adorned with scenes from courtly life (a prince’s circumcision ceremony, army parade, etc.). The Tranovola, also converted into a museum, displayed portraits and seals of the Malagasy kings, as well as gifts from European rulers.
Manampisoa, “More Beauty”.
Rasoherina had this elegant palace built from 1865 to 1867 according to plans by James Cameron from William Pool. The wooden building was 20 meters long, 10 meters wide, and 17 meters high.
Painted in black and red, it stood out for the grace of its balconies and the introduction of flat fluted columns with Ionic capitals. The floors, ceilings, paneling, and balusters were made of ebony and rosewood.
In the 20th century, Manampisoa was converted into a museum of the royal family: ceremonial costumes, weapons, jewelry, headgear, ornaments, musical instruments, silverware, furniture, etc.
