Rova of Ilafy
Rovan'Ilafy
A wooden royal palace of the Merina kings on a hilltop northeast of the capital, now a small ethnographic museum and one of the twelve sacred hills of Imerina.
Ilafy is one of the twelve sacred hills of Imerina. The wooden palace on the summit served as a summer residence for King Radama II and was later converted into an ethnographic museum displaying traditional clothing, tools and musical instruments. The courtyard contains royal tombs. It is smaller than Ambohimanga and sees fewer visitors, and it offers a well-preserved example of a traditional wooden royal palace. Located about 8 km northeast of the city center, it can be combined with Ambohimanga for a half-day trip. Opening hours are irregular, so contact a guide to confirm.
Opening hours
Open during the day (hours vary)
Nearby sights
- Analakely Market
- Faravohitra Church
- Soarano Station
- Avenue de l'Indépendance
- Ambatonakanga Church
- Andohalo Cathedral
- Museum of Art and Archaeology
- Andafiavaratra Palace