Rova of Antananarivo
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The Rova of Antananarivo, is a royal palace complex in Antananarivo, former home of the monarchs of Madagascar. Seven monuments originally occupied the site including the Manjakamiadana ("Queen's Palace" and main structure), Tranovola, Manampisoa, Besakana , Mahitsielafanjaka, a Protestant temple and royal tombs. Queen Ranavalona I commissioned the construction of the Manjakamiadana, which was completed in 1839 by Jean Laborde. The original structure was made of wood but was later given its characteristic silhouette in 1869 when Queen Ranavalona II commissioned French architect James Cameron to encase the palace in stone. Along with other structures of the Rova, the Manjakamiadana burned in the fire of November 6, 1995.[1]
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[edit] History
[edit] Destruction
On the night of November 6, 1995, a fire destroyed all the monuments of the Rova. All that remained was the stone shell of the Manjakamiadana and the Protestant temple, also constructed in stone. Some of the collections of artifacts (less than 20%) were saved from the flames.
The official investigation concluded very quickly, too quickly in the eyes of some, that it was an accident. People accused, in turn, government officials, social groups from outside the capital, foreign powers and so on.
On the night of the fire, the body of one of the queens was found in the public square in the center of the city. While the following day, a funeral vigil was held for these royal remains, the body was never identified.[2]
[edit] Reconstruction
The temple, which was the least affected part of the site, had to be the first element restored. Work concentrated on shoring up the stone walls of the main palace that threatened to collapse.
As of November 2007, 30% of the financing necessary for the reconstruction of the Rova had been collected. In early January 2006, Phase 1 of the Rova's reconstruction commenced and aims to refurbish the stone facade of the Manjakamiadana and restore the palace's interior, or "lapa hazo". While the original interior of the Manjakamiadana was built of wood, due to durability concerns and a lack of hard woods, concrete is being used to reconstruct the structure. According to project supervisors, Phase 1 of reconstruction should be finished by May 2008.[3]
[edit] Notes
- ^ Histoire abrégée de l'Imerina. http://www.gov-antananarivo.mg/histoire.shtm#titre8.
- ^ Fire of the Rova, the Queen’s Palace, in Antananarivo. Jean-Aimé Rakotoarisoa. University Museum. Madagascar. http://icom.museum/disaster_preparedness_book/country/rakotoarisoa.pdf.
- ^ Reconstruction du Rova: Recours aux financements extérieurs. Madagascar Tribune. http://www.madagascar-tribune.com/Recours-aux-financements,2765.html.
