Antananarivo, sometimes forgotten capital of travelers in search of exoticism, is a city with unexpected charm that boasts a genuine historical heritage. Its red brick houses, its few paved and its sacred hills are a heritage to discover. Of 21 the 27 November, it has become the world capital of the Francophonie.
Antananarivo : historical and cultural heart of the Big Island
Among the twelve sacred hills of the historic region of Analamanga, Antananarivo is one that has attracted the monarchs who ruled the island in the nineteenth century. Thus were born the main historical monuments of the city of Thousand, namely the Queen's Palace and the Palace of Andafiavaratra. All around, the old red-brick houses and churches are a harmonious blend of the ancient style and Western influences.
Below the Queen's Palace, instead Andohalo is the historical place where the kings and queens gather the people, on the occasion of a celebration or proclamation of new legislation. All over uptown, old houses make us thanks to their pointed roof and red walls of their timeworn. In the lower town, the city is resolutely modern, but there are many monuments built during the colonial era, to name the station Soarano.
Total immersion in the story at the heart of a traditional house
During a trip to Madagascar, the best way to capture the magic of the city of Thousand is to choose a traditional house as home base. They are now many who are open to visitors, converted into guesthouses or having a room. The houses mostly have a floor and often have a converted attic. The many windows let natural light illuminate the inside, especially as the orientation is aligned to the sun's path.
During a trip to Antananarivo, as we stay or we go there there, do not miss the pleasure of walking the many stairs that serve areas of the city. He Antaninarenina is surrounded by many shops dedicated to the sale of handicrafts.
