Presidential Palace

Antananarivo


This beautiful 19th-century manor was an official French residence for many years. It became the Malagasy presidential palace in 1975 and remained so until president Didier Ratsiraka decided to build a more modern complex about 15km south of the capital in 1991. The mansion remains an official residence but is generally quiet. No photos allowed.

In a bid to balance the colonial architectural influence, Andry Rajoelina, president of the high transitional authority between 2009 and 2013 and then president from 2019, ordered that a replica of the King’s palace at Ambohimanga be built right next to the presidential palace.


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Nearby Antananarivo attractions

1. Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie

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This small, dusty museum in Isoraka gives an overview of archaeological digs around the island, including displays of grave decorations from the south …

2. Lac Anosy

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Antananarivo’s heart-shaped lake lies in the southern part of town. It's particularly lovely in October, when the jacaranda trees lining its shores are…

3. Monument aux Morts

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This WWI memorial, erected by the French, is a large golden angel on an island connected to the shore by a causeway. It is currently not advised to walk…

4. Analakely Market

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Antananarivo's main market is a shadow of the former zoma (market), for which the capital was legendary, but you'd only realise this if you came back in…

5. Gare Soarano

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Tana’s old train station doesn’t see much passenger traffic these days, so the lovely building has been converted into a small, upmarket shopping centre…

6. Micheline

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In 1929 French engineer André Michelin, of tyre fame, patented the use of pneumatics on rail vehicles in a bid to improve passenger comfort. Trials were…

7. Musée de la Photo

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Opened in early 2018, this fabulous photography museum is Antananarivo's best museum. There are four small rooms showing films (in French, English or…

8. Musée Andafivaratra

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Housed in a magnificent pink baroque palace, this museum is the former home of Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony, the power behind the throne of the three…