Rova, Antananarivo

Name: Rova
Address: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Telephone: 00248323422

#11 among attractions in Antananarivo

Forts and castles

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Facts and practical information

The Rova of Antananarivo is a royal palace complex in Madagascar that served as the home of the sovereigns of the Kingdom of Imerina in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as of the rulers of the Kingdom of Madagascar in the 19th century. Its counterpart is the nearby fortified village of Ambohimanga, which served as the spiritual seat of the kingdom in contrast to the political significance of the Rova in the capital. Located in the central highland city of Antananarivo, the Rova occupies the highest point on Analamanga, formerly the highest of Antananarivo's many hills. Merina king Andrianjaka, who ruled Imerina from around 1610 until 1630, is believed to have captured Analamanga from a Vazimba king around 1610 or 1625 and erected the site's first fortified royal structure. Successive Merina kings continued to rule from the site until the fall of the monarchy in 1896, frequently restoring, modifying or adding royal structures within the compound to suit their needs. ()

Local name: Rova Manjakamiadana Architectural style: EclecticismCoordinates: 18°55'25"S, 47°31'56"E

Address

Antananarivo Madagascar

Contact

00248323422

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Antananarivo

Day trips

Rova – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Lake Anosy, Tsimbazaza, St. Lawrence Anglican Cathedral Ambohimanoro, Andafiavaratra Palace.

0.9 miNW
Nature, Lake
Lake Anosy, Antananarivo
23 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Madagascar's bustling capital, Antananarivo, lies the tranquil oasis of Lake Anosy. This man-made lake, enveloped by the urban sprawl, offers a serene escape from the city's perpetual motion. Known for its distinctive heart shape, Lake Anosy is...
0.6 miSW
Outdoor activities, Zoo, Park
Tsimbazaza, Antananarivo
17 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar, lies Tsimbazaza Zoo, a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and display of the island's unique and diverse fauna. As Madagascar's premier zoological park, Tsimbazaza is more than just a zoo—it's...
0.4 miN
Church
St. Lawrence Anglican Cathedral Ambohimanoro, Antananarivo
11 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar, the St. Lawrence Anglican Cathedral Ambohimanoro stands as a beacon of faith and history. This cathedral, a significant landmark in the bustling city, is a place where spirituality and architectural...
~1050 ftN
Palace museum with historic artifacts
Andafiavaratra Palace, Antananarivo
6 min walk • Perched on the lofty heights of Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar, the Andafiavaratra Palace stands as a stately reminder of the country's royal history. This grand structure, now functioning as a museum, was once the residence of Prime Minister...
1.1 miNW
Library
National Library of Madagascar, Antananarivo
30 min walk • The National Library of Madagascar, located in the heart of the capital city of Antananarivo, stands as a bastion of knowledge and cultural heritage in this island nation. This institution is a treasure trove of information, housing a vast collection of books...
1.1 miNW
Palace
Rova of Antananarivo, Antananarivo
29 min walk • The Rova of Antananarivo is an iconic historical palace complex perched on the highest point of Madagascar's capital city, Antananarivo. Once the seat of the Kingdom of Madagascar, the Rova, or Queen's Palace, commands a majestic view over the sprawling city and its...
0.4 miN
Church
Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Antananarivo
11 min walk • The Immaculate Conception Cathedral, an emblematic church situated in the heart of Antananarivo, Madagascar, stands as a testament to the country’s rich religious heritage. This cathedral, a centerpiece of the capital city's skyline, is not only a place of worship...
1.1 miNW
Museum
University of Madagascar's Museum of Art and Archaeology, Antananarivo
28 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar, the University of Madagascar's Museum of Art and Archaeology stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and historical depth of this unique island nation.
1.2 miSW
Area
Madagascar subhumid forests, Antananarivo
31 min walk • The Madagascar subhumid forests are a tropical moist broadleaf forest ecoregion that covers most of the Central Highlands of the island of Madagascar. They are included in the WWF's Global 200 list of outstanding ecoregions. Most of the original habitats have been lost due to human pressure.
0.5 miNW
Sport, Arenas and stadiums, Sport venue
Mahamasina Municipal Stadium, Antananarivo
12 min walk • Kianja Barea Mahamasina is a rugby union and football stadium, also used for concerts and athletics, in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
0.7 miNW
Universities and schools
SAMIS-ESIC School of Information and Communication, Antananarivo
19 min walk • SAMIS-ESIC School of Information and Communication was founded in 2001 by the Jesuits on the campus of St. Michael College, Amparibem, Madagascar, devoted entirely to training professional journalists and effective communicators for diverse careers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Rova?

Nearby attractions include Andafiavaratra Palace, Antananarivo (6 min walk), St. Lawrence Anglican Cathedral Ambohimanoro, Antananarivo (11 min walk), Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Antananarivo (11 min walk), Tsimbazaza, Antananarivo (17 min walk).

How to get to Rova by public transport?

The nearest stations to Rova:

Bus

Terminus Ligne 184 (11 min walk)
Primus Ligne 184 (11 min walk)

Train

Gare Soanierana (34 min walk)