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Niaouly Hotel

Monuments and museums in Antananarivo

Thanks to its central location, the Hotel Niaouly allows you to walk to many of the major museums, monuments and historical sites of Antananarivo.

The Rova, the Museum of Photography, the H Foundation, the Andafiavaratra Palace and several other attractions in the Upper City can thus be easily discovered from the hotel.

Only the Rova d'Ambohimanga, located outside the city, requires travel by taxi, with driver or public transport.


The summary of monuments and museums to visit in Antananarivo

Historical monuments in Antananarivo

  • The Queen's Palace - the "Rovan'i Madagasikara or ROVA"
  • The Rova of Ambohimanga, the blue hill

Museums in Antananarivo

  • The Museum of Photography
  • The H Foundation - Contemporary Art of Madagascar

The Queen's Palace - Rova

The Rova of Antananarivo

Perched at the top of the Upper City, the Rova d'Antananarivo, often called Queen's Palace, is one of the most emblematic monuments in Madagascar. Former centre of royal Merina power, it dominates the capital and occupies an essential place in the history of the country.

It is from this royal hill that the ancient city of Antananarivo developed, making Rova a place that is both historical, political and symbolic. The famous Manjakamiadana Palace, which is the most famous silhouette, remains today one of the great landmarks of the capital's landscape.

Partially destroyed by the 1995 fire, the site has since undergone a major rehabilitation and can be visited again. The Rova is now one of the essential places to discover the royal history of Madagascar and enjoy magnificent views of Antananarivo.

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The Rova of Ambohimanga

The Rova of Ambohimanga

About 20 to 25 km from Antananarivo, the Rova d'Ambohimanga is one of the most important historical sites in Madagascar. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this sacred royal hill occupies a major place in the history of the merina kingdom and in the Malagasy cultural identity.

Former fortified royal city, Ambohimanga was both a place of power, a spiritual centre and a site of royal memory. We still discover a historic enclosure, royal buildings, tombs, sacred places and an environment full of symbols.

Beyond its architectural interest, the site remains deeply respected by many Malagasy and retains a strong spiritual and heritage dimension. It is an essential excursion to discover the history and cultural roots of Madagascar.

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The Museum of Photography

Madagascar Museum of Photography

Located in the Upper Town of Antananarivo, near the Rova, the Museum of Photography of Madagascar is one of the most interesting cultural places to discover in the capital. It makes it possible to trace the history of Madagascar through old photographs, thematic exhibitions and particularly well-designed visual supports. The museum preserves and enhances an important collection of historical photographic archives, especially between 1860 and 1960.

More than just a museum, it is a place of memory and transmission, where the image becomes a real tool to understand the evolution of Malagasy society, the city of Antananarivo and the history of the country. The visit is both cultural, accessible and very pleasant, in a quiet setting also offering beautiful views of the capital.

It is a very beautiful step to complete a discovery of the Upper City, the Rova and the main historical sites of Antananarivo.

Address:

Former Residence of the Mayors, Anjohy, Rue Andriamanalina Ravelomanantsoa (Behind the General Staff), 101 Antananarivo

Opening hours and days:

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. It is closed on Sundays

Rates:

Full price: 5,000 Ariary

Reduced rate: 1,000 Ariary

For 13-25 year olds (on presentation of proof)

Every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 1pm

Free

Child up to 12 years old (on presentation of proof)

Contact:

032 88 871 81

Website: Musée de la photographie de Madagascar

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The H Foundation - Contemporary Art of Madagascar

Foundation H

Located in the Upper City of Antananarivo, near the Rova, the H Foundation is a place dedicated to contemporary African art, and more particularly to Malagasy creation.

It offers exhibitions, artist residencies and cultural projects that actively participate in the development of the local art scene. The visit allows you to discover a creative, modern and evolving Madagascar, in a pleasant and accessible setting.

It is an excellent step to complete a cultural discovery of the capital, between historical heritage and contemporary creation.

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