Old City and Handicrats

The old city of Fianar, mainly in its upper part, has been surprisingly well-preserved and conserved all of its charm from the bygone days. Here you can admire the traditional Malagasy houses in red bricks and its numerous churches. It is a real architectural paradise. The best way to discover it is to walk around its winding roads.
As part of your tour, head to the Cathedral d'Ambozontany. It is also situated in the old part that you are visiting. It is a magnificent 19th-century monument, interesting for its architecture. This is not the only reason why you came up here. From around the Cathedral, you have an impressive panoramic view of the city, its rice fields and its lake.
No official opening hours, but the main attraction is the exterior of the Cathedral and its surroundings.

For an even more impressive panoramic view, reach the statue of the Virgin Marie that ovelooks the city to protect it.

Stop as well at Labo Men, Pierrot Men's art gallery.
Internationally recognised, Pierrot Men is the most famous Malagasy photographer. He is based in Fianar.
His artwork is an extraordinary reflection of his inspiration, Madagascar, and more particularly his city, Fianarantsoa.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 08:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m. – 6:00 .pm.

Stop here for lunch for an inexpensive and tasty Malagasy or Chinese lunch. You will discover all along your journey that the Malagasy cuisine has several foreign influences including Chinese with dishes like the Min sao, a noodle-based recipe.
Opening Hours: Daily: 8:00 a.m. – 08:30 p.m.

Ambositra is considered Madagascar's traditional handicrafts heart being the store front of the Zafimaniry art, an ancestral art about wood carving.
Your first stop is the Ateliers Marqueterie Idom Art. The shop is open to travelers to make them discover high quality marquetry but also show the dexterity with which the artisans execute their art.
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sunday: Closed

The town of Ambositra is set up in a magnificent natural environment.
Town of culture, art and handicrafts, Ambositra presents many interests. Start with a stroll around the town. Check out its numerous craft shops with their artisans at work. You can also buy some quality local souvenirs for a reasonable price here.
Many places in Madagascar are not indicated so ask for directions, notably to the market and the Savika arenas. The Savika is a Malagasy version of bullfighting. It is a ferocious fight between a zebu and a man but without the killing that characterises Spanish corridas.
Take the car and drive to the Royal palace, 6 km from the city. Here again, ask for directions to get there.

Lovely hotel set up in a traditional Malagasy house with panoramic views from its garden.
Have your dinner here and enjoy a home-cooked meal from the comfort of the hotel.
Book Now