Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
Ambohimanga
The sacred royal city and royal burial site of the Merina kingdom, with a wooden palace and ancient gates. It is Madagascar's only cultural World Heritage Site.
Ambohimanga sits on a hilltop about 24 km north of Antananarivo. It was the birthplace and spiritual centre of the 18th-century Merina kingdom. King Andrianampoinimerina rose from here to unify the central highlands, and the site is still regarded as sacred. It was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2001. Inside the walled royal enclosure you can see the king's wooden house (Mahandrihono), with its tall roof and original beds, weapons and cooking utensils; the 19th-century queen's Western-style pavilion and summer palace; and the royal tombs and sacred trees used in ceremonies. The old town has seven gates, one of which is sealed by a giant stone disc about 4.5 metres across that takes dozens of people to roll. The hilltop has wide views over the highland rice paddies. Admission for foreign visitors is about tens of thousands of ariary, but check on site. It is worth hiring a guide on site, as French and English speakers are available. From the capital, a taxi or hired car takes about an hour, and Ambohimanga is often combined with the Rova as a half-day tour. Some areas observe traditional taboos, such as not bringing pork, so follow your guide's instructions.
Opening hours
Daily about 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Rova of Ilafy
- Croc Farm
- La Digue Craft Market
- Soarano Station
- Avenue de l'Indépendance
- Analakely Market
- Faravohitra Church
- Ambatonakanga Church