Lake Anosy
Lake Anosy (Lac Anosy) in the centre of Antananarivo was originally a swamp. In 1830 an artificial lake was created from and an islet was constructed in the middle to establish a blacksmith workshop in a location that would minimise the risk of fire caused by this occupation an area where wood and thatched roofs were commonplace.
In later years the island was used to store explosive powder, which could also pose a risk of fire in the city where houses were mostly built by wood. Today, the island is a monument to commemorate victims of World War I, in which many Malagasy people died while fighting on the front line for France. Today, many poor and homeless people live in the park areas around the lake.
A small fee to enter the island applies to all visitors, with a slightly higher price of 2,000 Ariary (2011) for foreign tourists.
