Antananarivo
Capital Of Madagascar, Founded As A Royal Hill Top City In The Early 17th Century. Terraced Hillside Of Colonial Era Stairs, The Rova Royal Palace Compound, Analakely Market District And The Andohalo Cathedral Square · Antananarivo, Analamanga
Antananarivo, usually shortened to Tana, is Madagascar's capital, a crowded highland city of steep hills at about 1,280 m, founded as a royal hill-top town in the early 17th century. The Upper Town (Haute-Ville) runs along the ridge above Lake Anosy, with stairways, colonial-era houses and the Rova, the royal palace compound, which was gutted by fire in 1995 and rebuilt; what is open and finished needs confirming locally. Below, Analakely is the busy market and shopping district, and Andohalo is the cathedral square where royal announcements were once made. The charm is real but rough: traffic is heavy, pavements are broken, air is smoky, and walking the steep lanes is tiring. Most visitors pass through for a night or two before heading to the coast or national parks. Plan a day of walking if you want views over the terraced city and rice fields; do not expect polished museums, and take care with belongings in crowded areas.
Capital on the central highlands at about 1,280 m; Upper Town (Haute-Ville) sits on the ridge above Lake Anosy, Antananarivo, Analamanga, Madagascar
The city streets are open all day, but most shops, markets and the Rova area keep daytime hours and many things close on Sundays. Analakely market is busiest in the morning. The Rova may charge an entry fee or be closed for works or ceremonies; confirm current times locally. Walking the Upper Town is FREE. Avoid walking alone after dark. Times are not fixed, so confirm locally.