The 12 sacred hills of Imerina

Among the most iconic sites in Madagascar are the 12 Sacred Hills of Imerina. Discover the history behind these elevations that shaped present-day Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar.

The 12 sacred hills of Imerina in the past and today

The 12 elevations scattered throughout the Analamanga region hold countless stories. These sites have been, and remain, the stage for numerous ancestral rites and traditions, such as the Famadihana (the turning of the dead). Each hill houses a royal village, which played a part in the political strategy of the great King Andrianampoinimerina. 

It all began in the 16th century when King Ralambo sought to unify the small villages around his kingdom. However, the attempt was unsuccessful. 

The destiny of the 12 hills took a new turn in the 18th century during the reign of King Andriamasinavalona. This monarch divided his kingdom to share it among his four sons. Years later, Andrianampoinimerina (1787–1810) sought to reunite these divided lands and undertook a conquest of the 12 hills. After each victory, the king established a palace in the hill’s village and married a woman to solidify his power. This is how the fame of these 12 elevations emerged, each linked to one of the monarch's 12 wives. The number 12 symbolizes completeness and fulfillment. 

Even today, these sites are the setting for many traditional rituals. Every Malagasy New Year, known as Alahamadibe, descendants of the kings and astrologers gather on these lands. They collect a bit of soil from near the tombs of royal figures and distribute it among the attendees. This soil is considered a good luck charm. Singles visit the hills to aid their search for love, job seekers come with hopes of employment, and the ill pray for healing.

The 12 hills of Imerina in detail

1. The sacred hill of Analamanga: Rising over 1,430 meters above sea level, it is the highest point in the city of a thousand hills. Its fame comes from the Rova of Manjakamiadana, where the Queen once resided.
2. The sacred hill of Ambohimanga and its 7 gates. Known for its seven gates, the Rova of Ambohimanga is surrounded by a large moat. This site is considered the birthplace of the unification of the Merina territory under Andrianampoinimerina. The king spent much of his early reign in this village. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 2001).
3. The sacred hill of Ilafy. This site is marked by the burial of King Radama II, who was assassinated on the night of May 11, 1863. Ilafy is also notable for hosting Madagascar's first firearm factory, established under the supervision of Jean Laborde.
4. The sacred hill of Ambohidratrimo. Easily accessible via National Road 4, this hill is named after its first king, Ratrimo. According to legend, Andrianampoinimerina faced several challenges before conquering this part of Imerina. Located 15 km from the capital, the site is famous for its alignment of three royal tombs topped with a tranomafana.
5. The sacred hill of Antsahadinta. Located southwest of the capital, this hill also houses royal tombs adorned with a tranomafana. It was home to the first public schools established by missionaries such as James Cameron during King Radama I’s reign.
6. The sacred hill of Alasora. Situated southeast of Analamanga, Alasora is considered one of the cradles of Merina royalty.

7. The hill of Ambohimalaza. This hill is renowned as the site of the fandrona (royal bath) ceremony, established by King Ralambo. It was also where the first bovine sacrifice and the construction of the first tranomafana took place under the prince of Ambohimalaza, Andrianatompokoindrindra.

8. The hill of Ampandrana. This site holds the tombs of the first Hova kings. The Merina society was divided into three classes: The Andriana (nobles), Hova (free men), and Andevo (slaves). These Hova kings, theoretically, had no royal blood.

9. The sacred hill of Antongona. Located along the road to Tsiroanomandidy, this hill features a fortified palace designed to detect potential external attacks. In case of invasion, soldiers would alert the king.

10. The sacred hill of Ambohimanambola. This hill contains treasures, including the Kelimalaza of Andrianampoinimerina—a V-shaped red artifact stored in a box filled with the king’s jewels.

11. The hill of Ambohitrabiby. This hill was the domain of King Ralambo starting in 1600. Ralambo allowed the consumption of zebu meat. Located 20 km north of the capital, the site houses his royal tomb and that of Rabiby, a renowned astrologer.

12. The sacred hill of Ikaloy (or Kaloy). Similar to Ambohimanga, historians believe this hill to be the birthplace of both Andrianampoinimerina and Ralambo.

The sacred hills of Antsahadinta and Antongona offer a combination of easy hikes, perfect for exploring the Imerina region during a countryside trek along the route to Ampefy and the Middle West.

© Détours Madagascar - December 4, 2019