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University of Antananarivo Campus
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Landmark
The University of Antananarivo Campus, widely known as Ankatso, is the premier higher education institution in Madagascar, located on the eastern hills of the capital city. Established in 1961 as the successor to the Institute of Higher Studies founded in 1955, the university serves as the academic heart of the country. The campus houses numerous faculties, including Law and Economics, Sciences, and Arts and Humanities. The mid-20th-century architecture of the buildings blends functional modernism with local adaptations, surrounded by expansive green spaces and student housing complexes. As a center for research and intellectual exchange, the university has educated generations of the Malagasy elite and plays a critical role in the socio-political development of the state. Despite infrastructure challenges, the campus remains a bustling hub, with over 30,000 students enrolled annually across various disciplines.
- Location: Madagascar
- Top sights: Mausolée national Andrainarivo · T-T MADADISCOVER · Lamakoo Padel center
- Nearby: Ambatolampy (38 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 19 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 475 | 379 | 304 | 159 | 86 | 84 | 85 | 58 | 47 | 96 | 222 | 388 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The University of Antananarivo campus in Ankatso is open to the public, and the 1960s modernist buildings are well worth viewing from the outside. Some sections like the library may be open to visitors; it's worth asking on site.
Typical hours
The campus is typically open on weekdays from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, though the library may have shorter hours. Access is usually very restricted on holidays and weekends.
Photography
Photography of the exterior architecture is expressly allowed and worthwhile. Interiors should only be photographed with permission, especially in administrative and teaching areas.
Time needed
Allow at least one hour for a walk around the campus. Those wishing to study the modernist architecture in detail should plan for two hours.
Combine with
The campus is in Ankatso, a district of Antananarivo, and can be excellently combined with a visit to the Ambohitsorohitra Palace or the Zoological Garden. Analakely market is also nearby.
Getting there
The campus is accessible by taxi or the blue minibuses (taxi-brousse) from the city center. Parking is scarce on site, so public transport is recommended.
Insider tip
Photograph the facades late in the afternoon when the light best highlights the geometric forms of 60s architecture. Politely ask at the gate if you can have a quick look inside the assembly hall - it is often allowed.
Geography
Facts
- Founded in 1961 as the national university.
- The campus is located in the Ankatso district.
- Enrolls more than 30,000 students every year.
- Developed from the 1955 Center for Higher Education.
- Main hub for scientific research in Madagascar.
- Comprises several specialized faculties and institutes.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town University of Antananarivo Campus (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit the campus?
Yes, the grounds are vast and freely accessible.
Is there a cafe on campus?
Yes, there are small student cafes.
How is the accessibility?
The campus is best reached by taxi.
When is it busiest?
On weekdays during lecture hours.
Is there parking?
Parking is often difficult, use public transport.
University of Antananarivo Campus: where is it located?
University of Antananarivo Campus is located in Madagascar.
University of Antananarivo Campus: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mausolée national Andrainarivo, T-T MADADISCOVER, Lamakoo Padel center.
University of Antananarivo Campus: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
University of Antananarivo Campus: why is it worth visiting?
The University of Antananarivo Campus, widely known as Ankatso, is the premier higher education institution in Madagascar, located on the eastern hills of the capital city.
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Nearby cities
Antananarivo
The capital in Madagascar.
Antsirabe
Known for thermal springs in Madagascar.
Antanifotsy
Agricultural center in Madagascar.
Tsiroanomandidy
Zebu market center in Madagascar.
Soavinandriana
Highland city in Madagascar.
Faratsiho
Highest city in Madagascar.
Ambatolampy
Aluminum foundry town in Madagascar.
Arivonimamo
Former airport location in Madagascar.
Ankazobe
On the edge of Tampoketsa in Madagascar.
Miarinarivo
Administrative center of Itasy in Madagascar.
History & landmarks
🗺️
Andafiavaratra Palace
Former residence of Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony, now serving as a museum for historical artifacts.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
An impressive Roman Catholic cathedral in the Andohalo district of Antananarivo, built during the French colonial period.
🗺️
Cathedral of Faravohitra
A Catholic brick church located on one of the highest hills in Antananarivo.
Analakely Market Pavilions
A series of historic pavilions in downtown Antananarivo that serve as a covered market.
Trano Gasy Houses
A traditional Malagasy architectural style characterized by tall, narrow brick houses with wooden balconies in Antananarivo.
🗺️
Mahamasina Municipal Stadium
Madagascar's largest stadium, used for rugby matches, football tournaments, and national events.
Palace of Justice Ambatondrafandrana
A historic stone building in classical style that formerly served as the supreme court of the Merina kings.
Ambatonakanga Memorial Church
The first stone church in Madagascar, built in memory of the Christian martyrs killed under Queen Ranavalona I.
More places
Savonnerie Tropicale Soap Factory
A traditional company producing detergents and personal care products for the Malagasy market for decades.
Andafiavaratra Palace
The former prime minister's residence in the 19th century, now a museum.
Rova of Antananarivo
A royal palace complex that ruled the Kingdom of Madagascar.
STAR Brewery Antananarivo
The headquarters and largest production facility of the famous Malagasy beverage brand in the capital.
🗺️
Antsahamanitra Martyrs Cliff
The site where Christian martyrs were executed in the 19th century under Queen Ranavalona I.
Ila Fitsarana
Former court of justice of the Malagasy monarchy.
Historical Zoma Market
Once the world's second-largest open-air market, a central trading hub in the 19th and 20th centuries.
JB Confectionery Factory
One of the best-known manufacturers of biscuits, chocolate and other sweets in Antananarivo.