Antananarivo, Capital city in central Madagascar.
Antananarivo is the capital in the central highlands of Madagascar, covering twelve hills connected by steep lanes and stairways. Red brick houses and whitewashed buildings line the narrow streets, while markets and commercial districts fill the valleys below.
King Andrianjaka founded the settlement in 1610 as a fortified post on the highest hill of the region. French colonial rulers expanded the city from 1897 onward with administrative buildings and wide boulevards in the lower districts.
The name means "city of a thousand" and refers to the warriors who once protected the hilltop settlement. Daily life centers around small neighborhoods where vendors sell zebu meat, rice dishes, and tropical fruits in open-air stalls.
Visitors reach the higher neighborhoods on foot via stairways or shared taxis that wind through the narrow streets. Traffic is heavier during mornings and afternoons, so walking early in the day or in late morning is more comfortable.
The royal palace complex Rova stands on the highest hill, with buildings of wood and stone showing a mix of local craftsmanship and European influence. A fire damaged parts of the compound in 1995, but the walls and some structures remain and offer a wide view over the city.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
