Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, Antananarivo

Set the most important political and spiritual seat of the Malagasy Merina people at Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, a fortified royal palace and a World Heritage Site. Originally built in the 15th century atop one of the twelve sacred hills, the current complex was fortified in 1740-1745. Royal buildings, burial grounds, and ritual complexes are accessed through an impressive entrance gate closed by rolling a 12-ton stone disc that serves as a door. See a sacred forest with many endemic species inside this best preserved pre-colonial monument in Madagascar. Tour walls, alleys and gateways, climb watchtowers, and see the granite seat of judicial power under an ancient fig tree. Add Royal Hill of Ambohimanga and other attractions to your Antananarivo trip itinerary using our Antananarivo trip itinerary builder tool.