Andohalo Cathedral

The Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception rises above the historic Andohalo square in Antananarivo's upper town. Built in the late nineteenth century from local stone, its twin spires and Gothic Revival lines mark one of the earliest permanent Catholic churches on the highland plateau. The square below was once a place of royal proclamations during the Merina monarchy. Inside, tall windows filter coloured light onto stone arcades, and the terrace offers a panorama across the descending tiers of the city.