Antananarivo is the capital and largest city in Madagascar. It is often abbreviated to Tana. Antananarivo is situated in the center of the island of Madagascar.
It has a distinctively French flavor and atmosphere: French is widely spoken, and road as well as shop signs are mostly in French.
The city is built on three levels. Dominating the city is the Queen's Palace and associated Royal Village or Rova Palace of Justice; Palace of Andafiavaratra . Now a national monument, it was once the residency of the Merina Dynasty which, in the 19th century, united all Madagascar for the first time. On the lowest level is the market of Analakely. The Tsimbazaza Zoological and Botanical Garden is open Thursday, Sunday and holidays 0800-1100 and 1400-1700.
Tana is much like other African capitals; crowded, polluted and noisy but it does have parts that are worth exploring. The main market is found in the 'pavilions' at Analakely. Antananarivo is a great place to shop for Malagasy arts and crafts.
The city is built on three levels. Dominating the city is the Queen's Palace and associated Royal Village or Rova Palace of Justice; Palace of Andafiavaratra . Now a national monument, it was once the residency of the Merina Dynasty which, in the 19th century, united all Madagascar for the first time. On the lowest level is the market of Analakely. The Tsimbazaza Zoological and Botanical Garden is open Thursday, Sunday and holidays 0800-1100 and 1400-1700.
Tana is much like other African capitals; crowded, polluted and noisy but it does have parts that are worth exploring. The main market is found in the 'pavilions' at Analakely. Antananarivo is a great place to shop for Malagasy arts and crafts.
| Next > |
|---|
