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Antananarivo — travel, stays & events guide
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Antananarivo city overview
Antananarivo is a city in Madagascar shaped by its region, population, local economy, landmarks, climate and civic history. This overview summarizes the city itself: where it sits, what defines it, which places anchor its identity and why it matters within the wider country.
City facts
Airport baseAntananarivo Ivato (TNR)
Known forAntananarivo, Capital city in Madagascar, Antananarivo planning base 3, Antananarivo planning base 4
RegionMadagascarMadagascar
Time zoneIndian/Antananarivolocal time
Founded1610historical origin
City history
The city was established in around 1610 or 1625 according to varying accounts.
Upon Andriamasinavalona's death in 1710, Imerina split into four warring quadrants, and Antananarivo was made the capital of the southern district.
He moved the kingdom's political capital back to Antananarivo in 1794, and declared Ambohimanga the kingdom's spiritual capital, a role it still maintains.
Andrianampoinimerina created a large marketplace in Analakely, establishing the city's economic center. Kingdom of Madagascar By the time Andrianampoinimerina's son Radama I had ascended the throne upon his father's death in 1810, Antananarivo was.
Radama's successor Ranavalona I invited a shipwrecked craftsman named Jean Laborde to construct the tomb of Prime Minister Rainiharo, and Manjakamiadana (built 1839–1841), the largest palace at the Rova.
In 1867, following a series of fires in the capital, Queen Ranavalona II issued a royal decree that permitted the use of stone and brick construction in buildings other than tombs.
Rainilaiarivony built the Andafiavaratra Palace in 1873 as his residence and office at a site near the royal palace. French Madagascar The French military invaded Antananarivo in September 1894, prompting the queen's surrender after.
A railway system connecting Soarano station at one end of the Avenue de l'Indépendance in Antananarive with Toamasina and Fianarantsoa was established in 1897.
A city plan written in 1956 created suburban zones where large houses and gardens were established for the wealthy.
The first international airport was constructed at Arivonimamo, 45 km (28 mi) outside the city; this was replaced in 1967 with Ivato International Airport approximately 15 km (9 mi) from the city center.
After expelling the Vazimba who inhabited the town at the peak of Analamanga hill, Andrianjaka chose the site for his rova (fortified royal compound), which expanded over time to enclose the royal palaces and.
Andriamasinavalona designated specific territories for the hova (commoners) and each andriana (noble) subcaste, both within the neighborhoods of Antananarivo and in the countryside surrounding the capital.
They chose Antaninarenina as the site for the French Governor General's Residency; upon independence, it was renamed Ambohitsorohitra Palace and converted into presidential offices.
The University of Antananarivo was constructed in the Ankatso neighborhood and the Museum of Ethnology and Paleontology was also built.
Worth seeing
Antananarivo
Antananarivo is a practical Antananarivo planning anchor: compare its location, transfer time, nearby hotel bases and event timing before you lock the day plan.
Capital city in Madagascar
Capital city in Madagascar is a practical Antananarivo planning anchor: compare its location, transfer time, nearby hotel bases and event timing before you lock the day plan.
Antananarivo planning base 3
Antananarivo planning base 3 is a practical Antananarivo planning anchor: compare its location, transfer time, nearby hotel bases and event timing before you lock the day plan.
Antananarivo planning base 4
Antananarivo planning base 4 is a practical Antananarivo planning anchor: compare its location, transfer time, nearby hotel bases and event timing before you lock the day plan.
Antananarivo planning base 5
Antananarivo planning base 5 is a practical Antananarivo planning anchor: compare its location, transfer time, nearby hotel bases and event timing before you lock the day plan.
Antananarivo planning base 6
Antananarivo planning base 6 is a practical Antananarivo planning anchor: compare its location, transfer time, nearby hotel bases and event timing before you lock the day plan.
Stay overview
Compare Antananarivo before booking Antananarivo hotels. Start with the places you will repeat most, then check airport timing, parking, nightly price and event demand before choosing the final base.
Hotels & areas
Compare accommodation options in and around Antananarivo by area, not only by nightly price. A cheaper room can become expensive when airport transfers, parking, attraction routes, late arrivals or event-week demand add time and cost.
Compare stays in Antananarivo, MadagascarFlights & airports
Antananarivo Ivato (TNR) arrival plan
- Antananarivo Ivato (TNR)Antananarivo Ivato (TNR), Antananarivo
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Rental cars
Antananarivo day-trip car use
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Compare rental carsTravel tips
Best time to visit
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Transport notes
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Crowds
Prices can jump around festivals, conventions, school holidays, cruise days, ski weeks, race weekends and large sports events.
Booking detail
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Upcoming events
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