Destination >> Fianarantsoa - Marcopolo Group

Travelling Fianarantsoa

Fianarantsoa, is an old royal city which became in 1830 administrative capital of the region under the colonial power. The name Fianarantsoa means "the place where one can learn something good” and was given by Queen Ranavalona 1st honouring the many academic institutions and reputed schools that are based here and which justify its reputation as the academic, intellectual and religious capital of the country it has the largest number of churches per square metre of the country). Like in Tana, old houses were in general built in the hills and the new ones were built in the valleys. The old upper town, the new town, where most shops are located and the train station district constitute the core of a city that has become almost unavoidable for any traveller heading to the South.

What to see and do

A city walk tour starts usually at the train station, where every morning gemstone handlers join here to make their lucrative deals. From here just follow the Rue Ampasambazaha, where most shops, restaurants and hotels are located, until the Market Area, where you can admire some fine examples of colonial architecture. To get to the upper town, you can get onto a taxi-be (no 22). The minarets of the big mosque remind visitors of far Arabia. Anatirova is the old historic centre formerly occupied by the Betsileo Rova called Ivœnava (where the dead are hidden). From here you can enjoy a nice panoramic view on the city below

On the western part of the city you eyes will be caught by the view of Kianjasoa hill (1374 m) with a big statue of the Virgin Mary and her son. The hill was used long time as a fortification to contain the military incursions of the Merina and Tanala tribes. Kianjasoa means “the court of Isoa”. A legend tells us that “one day, while children played on the square, a child hit the son of a prince; furious, the Prince moaned the child and asked him: "Why did you hit Isoa if this court belongs to him

· Cultural events

Between May and September traditional Betsileo folk festivals are annually held.

The Tolon'omby is a traditional Betsileo bull fight more similar to a Western rodeo than to a Spanish-style bull fights. Instead of riding the zebu (“omby”) the goal is to run into the centre of the pen, catch it by the hump and try to pull it to the ground.

· Sahambavy

This small town lies about 23 km on the railway from Fianarantsoa to Manakara. Its main attraction is the Sahambavy Lake, nested at the foot of a hill, Lac Hôtel with a breathtaking view on the island unique tea plantation (520 hectares) which spread out as far as the eye can see. The plantation of tea was initiated here in the late 70s and it offers today a free guided tour which explains visitors the manufacturing procedure of tea. The beautiful landscape with the charming lake is the perfect destination for a relaxing weekend which can even be accessed by the train heading to Manakara (better reserve a seat in the first class wagon when buying your tickets, since the train gets already pretty full when departing Fianaratsoa).

· Hikes

In the immediate surroundings of Fianar (as the city is commonly referred to by its inhabitants) there are a couple of interesting destinations which invite the traveller to a pleasant hike far away of the beaten track. Here we will present you some of them:

· Ampamaherana Forest station

Located some 30 km this reforestation centre invites you to a pleasant hiking. Follow the road from Antananarivo to the Forgeot station (7 km) and then turn onto the road on the right going parallel the railway.

· Rock of Alakamisy-Ambohimaha (26 Km)

Huge rock on which inscriptions in Arabic that carved around the fourth century.

· Fanjakana (60 Km)

From a 1392 m altitude, this point offers a magnificent view over a radius of 50 km. Take the road to Isorana (RN 42) and then Ikalamavony turning to the right to Fanjakana.

· Vineyards

Fianarantsoa is also known as the capital of wine. Excellent red and white wines are produced in the terraced vineyards surrounding the town. The most famous is the one produced by a large association of vine-farmers called Lazan'i Betsileo. Maromby (four km on the North) is a small, peaceful village in the vicinity of vineyards, where wine can be bought at the monastery.