The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga—declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 2001— is a site of cultural and historic significance located approximately a half hour drive from the capital city. The Royal Hill consists of a historical Royal City, the burial site of the Merina royalty and sacred elements of the kingdom.

In 1710, the ruler divided his kingdom leaving Ambohimanga the blue hill to one of his sons who in return made it a capital. The future King’s new capital was in Antananarivo but he still often stated there. Ambohimanga was henceforth considered one of the secret royal Hills of Imerina and known as a “Forbidden City” for more than 100 years until 1897—when the French colonial administration removed all the relics of royal family to break the spirit of resistance and ethnic identity.

The fortification wall was constructed in 1847 with an ancient mortaring technique using lemons and egg white. Every morning and evening, 20 soldiers rolled an enormous 12-ton stone disc to close or open the gateway and protect the residents from raiders. Inside the walls, we can find two ornate rosewood palaces — the two pavilions of Queen Ranavalona II who reigned from 1868 to 1883 — which were erected in 1871. The largest building was for receiving visitors with a large salon on the ground floor and the bedroom of the queen above. In the salon, the original European furniture have been preserved and many Queen’s gifts offered by foreign dignitaries are on display there.

Apart from the room furnishings, the beautiful oriental upholstery on the walls are well worth mentioning. The Queen’s bedroom is also preserved in its original condition. It is still considered to be a sacred place and many visitors come there in pilgrimage to pray to her spirit. The second smaller pavilion is known as the "trano fitaratra" or the house of glass. In the lower level of the building, there is a small lounge also equipped with contemporary furniture.

On the first floor, a beautiful panorama bursts into view; the Queen usually discussed with her ministers in the boardroom. The stained-glass windows of the chamber after which the house was named were imported to the island by an Englishman named Parrot. Two large basins have been carved from the stone foundation, the compound one was a bath and the other was a swimming pool. Water was taken from the lake by the village and was replaced weekly. The simple wooden building next to the pavilions is built of rosewood in traditional style and served as the home and headquarters for King Andrianampoinimerina nearly a century before he was considered to be one of their greatest military and political leaders.

In addition to everyday objects from the royal era, some relics of the Great King can be found there, including weapons, drums, and talismans. The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is also home to a shrine with exceptional holiness where many pilgrims visit to tie to the king and his predecessor’s souls. Royal edicts and public judgments were handed down in the small courtyard at the base of the hill. The Esplanade above it was the location of larger conventions and royal festivities.

Sources: United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, Madagascar Treasure Island, World Monument Fund, African World Heritage Sites