The old royal fortress — the Rova — once crowned the highest point in Fianarantsoa, but the French demolished it in the 1940s. What remains is an open platform at the summit with sweeping views over the town and the surrounding countryside. To get there, make your way up to the upper town and follow Rue P. Ramasitera to the top.
Old Rova Site
Hilltop ruins of a royal fortress with panoramic views
A story
At the summit a flat stone slab survives from the fortress era. Local guides say it was used by Merina rulers to execute subjects — the condemned were made to lie on it before being beheaded. Local children, if present, will enthusiastically mime out the procedure.