The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception — known locally as the Andohalo Cathedral — stands on one of the highest ridges of the Haute-Ville, with views across the city in multiple directions. Built by French Jesuits in the nineteenth century, it is one of the largest Catholic churches in Madagascar and remains an active parish serving the surrounding hilltop neighbourhood of Andohalo.
The exterior is a confident piece of Gothic Revival architecture in local stone, somewhat weathered but still impressive in scale. The interior is simpler than European churches of the same period, reflecting both the realities of colonial-era construction and local adaptations. Sunday mass draws large congregations in traditional Malagasy dress. The approach through the steep lanes of Andohalo is as rewarding as the cathedral itself — this is one of the most atmospheric corners of the upper city.