Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
Location: Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Year of Inscription: 2001
Criteria: (iii) unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(v) an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change.
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is a unique cultural site in Madagascar that offers a glimpse into the history and traditions of the Merina people. The site is a collection of palaces, sacred places, and tombs that were once the residence of the Merina royal family and are still considered to be a place of great significance in Malagasy culture. The hill and its surroundings are also home to several species of flora and fauna, making it a unique blend of nature and culture.
Prominent Features: The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is home to several structures of historical and cultural significance, including the Rova, or royal palace, and a number of tombs and sacred sites. Visitors can also explore the surrounding forests and observe the unique biodiversity of the area.
History: The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga was established as the residence of the Merina royal family in the 16th century and served as the center of their kingdom for several centuries. The site is considered to be of great cultural significance and is still revered by the Malagasy people today.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga offers cultural demonstrations, and traditional Malagasy music and dance performances. Children will enjoy exploring the historic palaces and tombs and learning about the unique history and culture of the Merina people.
Fun Fact: The name "Ambohimanga" means "blue hill" in Malagasy, and is said to refer to the blue-grey color of the rocks found on the hill.
Entry Fees: The fee for adults is 20,000 Malagasy Ariary (approximately 5 USD), while the fee for children under 12 is 5,000 Malagasy Ariary (approximately 1.25 USD). There may be additional fees for guided tours and photography.
How to Reach it: The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is located about 24 km northeast of Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar.
To reach the site by public transport, you can take a taxi-brousse (a type of shared minibus) from the city center to the town of Ambohimanga-Rova. The journey takes approximately one hour, depending on traffic. From Ambohimanga-Rova, you can hire a local guide to take you up the hill and around the site.
Alternatively, you can negotiate with a taxi driver to take you directly from Antananarivo to the site and wait for you there.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby city of Antananarivo, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. Some popular options include Hotel Carlton, Hotel Colbert, and Hotel de France.
Next Stop: Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve
Year of Inscription: 2001
Criteria: (iii) unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(v) an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change.
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is a unique cultural site in Madagascar that offers a glimpse into the history and traditions of the Merina people. The site is a collection of palaces, sacred places, and tombs that were once the residence of the Merina royal family and are still considered to be a place of great significance in Malagasy culture. The hill and its surroundings are also home to several species of flora and fauna, making it a unique blend of nature and culture.
Prominent Features: The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is home to several structures of historical and cultural significance, including the Rova, or royal palace, and a number of tombs and sacred sites. Visitors can also explore the surrounding forests and observe the unique biodiversity of the area.
History: The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga was established as the residence of the Merina royal family in the 16th century and served as the center of their kingdom for several centuries. The site is considered to be of great cultural significance and is still revered by the Malagasy people today.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga offers cultural demonstrations, and traditional Malagasy music and dance performances. Children will enjoy exploring the historic palaces and tombs and learning about the unique history and culture of the Merina people.
Fun Fact: The name "Ambohimanga" means "blue hill" in Malagasy, and is said to refer to the blue-grey color of the rocks found on the hill.
Entry Fees: The fee for adults is 20,000 Malagasy Ariary (approximately 5 USD), while the fee for children under 12 is 5,000 Malagasy Ariary (approximately 1.25 USD). There may be additional fees for guided tours and photography.
How to Reach it: The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is located about 24 km northeast of Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar.
To reach the site by public transport, you can take a taxi-brousse (a type of shared minibus) from the city center to the town of Ambohimanga-Rova. The journey takes approximately one hour, depending on traffic. From Ambohimanga-Rova, you can hire a local guide to take you up the hill and around the site.
Alternatively, you can negotiate with a taxi driver to take you directly from Antananarivo to the site and wait for you there.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby city of Antananarivo, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. Some popular options include Hotel Carlton, Hotel Colbert, and Hotel de France.
Next Stop: Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve