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'''The Rova (also named Queen's Palace or Manjakamiadana) is the landmark of Antananarivo. Situated at the top of Analamanga hillHill, the rova clearly stands out of in the skyline of Tana and can be seen already from a far distance. From the 17th century to the 19th century the palace served as a residence for the kings and queens of the Merina kingdom.'''
[[File:Rova_001.jpg|600px]]
The original structure of the palace was made of wood, which was changed to stone on order of [[Queen Ranavalona II ]] in 1869. In 1995 a fire almost completely destroyed the palace, sparing only the stone walls. Since 2005 the palace undergoes has been in a state of restoration, which depending on the political situation in the country stops now and then.
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Although the palace is still closed, the location is well worth a visit. Against a small fee, guides will take visitors along a 15-minute trail encircling the premises palace property whilst explaining the palace's history of the location and various adjoining buildings. Due to its location, the palace offers great panoramic views onto the city and the twelve sacred hills[[Twelve Sacred Hills]].
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