World Heritage Identification Number: 950
World Heritage since: 2001
Category: Cultural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇲🇬 Madagascar
Continent: Africa
UNESCO World Region: Africa
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The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga: A Sacred Ensemble of Madagascar's Rich History
The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of Madagascar. Situated approximately 24 kilometers northeast of the capital city of Antananarivo, this royal city and burial site, along with an ensemble of sacred places, have been maintaining their spiritual and sacred character for over five centuries.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga consists of a royal city and burial site, and an ensemble of sacred places. It is associated with strong feelings of national identity, and has maintained its spiritual and sacred character both in ritual practice and the popular imagination for the past 500 years. It remains a place of worship to which pilgrims come from Madagascar and elsewhere.
UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
Criterion iii The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga is the most significant symbol of the cultural identity of the people of Madagascar. Criterion iv The traditional design, materials, and layout of the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga are representative of the social and political structure of Malagasy society from at least the 16th century. Criterion vi The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga an exceptional example of a place where, over centuries, common human experience has been focused in memory, ritual, and prayer.
Encyclopedia Record: Ambohimanga
Ambohimanga is a hill and traditional fortified royal settlement (rova) in Madagascar, located approximately 24 kilometers (15 mi) northeast of the capital city of Antananarivo. It is situated in the commune of Ambohimanga Rova.Additional Site Details
Area: 59 hectares
(iv) — Outstanding example of a type of building or landscape
(vi) — Directly associated with events or living traditions
Coordinates: -18.75917 , 47.56278
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© Olivier Lejade, CC BY-SA 2.0 Resized from original. (This derivative is under the same CC BY-SA license.)
