Ambohimanga

- 18.75916666666747.562777777778Koordinaten: 18 ° 45 ' 33 "S, 47 ° 33' 46" E

The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga in the province of Antananarivo in Madagascar Avaradrano was until 1794 the seat of the kings of the Merina and until 1897 the tomb of the kings of Madagascar. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.

The place and the fortified palace ( Rova ) on the 1468 m high hill existed since at least the 15th century. The largest part of the expansion to the residence city took place under King Andriantsimitoviaminandriana ( 1740-45 ). The outer fortifications were partly built in the 19th century, after the capital had been moved to Antananarivo. The topmost part of the hill is covered by forests, which should protect the Rova. Only in the lower regions is driven at terraces agriculture. The complex also includes several places of religious and political importance: the judgment seat, a source, an artificial lake, royal trees.

The tombs of the kings were on a site, which was surrounded by a red and white fence, in wooden cabins surrounded the palace grounds. 1897 moved the French conquerors in a futile attempt to break the power of the spiritual kingdom, the tombs to Antananarivo and built on the tomb barracks. However, these were in 1904 once again eliminated completely.

Ambohimanga has won in the 500 years of its existence, religion and politics of central importance for the Malagasy. It is an important symbol of national identity and at the same time a sacred site that is visited today by pilgrims not only from Madagascar.

55527
de