Ambohimanga

Ambohimanga is a royal hilltop settlement in Antananarivo Province featuring fortified walls, multiple gates, and royal structures built at about 1,468 meters in elevation. The complex contains palaces, ceremonial grounds, and a man-made sacred lake that served as the spiritual center of the kingdom.

The Merina kingdom established this site as their spiritual center in the 16th century, using its elevated position to oversee surrounding territories. It remained the sacred seat of royal power for generations until the kingdom's transformation in later centuries.

The site holds deep spiritual significance for local communities who perform ancestral ceremonies and rituals here regularly. Families come to honor their forebears through offerings and gatherings that connect them to their roots and identity.

The site is located roughly 20 kilometers north of Antananarivo and can be reached by a road leading to the top. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and follow local protocols, especially in the sacred areas.

The main entrance is guarded by a massive wooden gate from the 17th century that closes without modern fasteners, showcasing traditional craftsmanship. This gate has been maintained for centuries and demonstrates the sturdy construction methods of that era.