Islet and isthmus
A memorial reached by a narrow causeway.
Lemurbaby — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Z thomas — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Z thomas — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Z thomas — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Z thomas — CC BY-SA 4.0
Lake Anosy is a heart-shaped artificial lake in the southern part of central Antananarivo, bordered by the Isoraka, Ampefiloha and Mahamasina districts. It is one of the capital's clearest landmarks from the hills and a calm spot in a crowded city, where people come to walk and spend the evening. Originally a swamp, it was begun in the era of King Radama I by the Scottish missionary James Cameron, who made it in the shape of a heart. A small islet at the centre is connected to the city by an isthmus. It was first chosen for a blacksmith's workshop, out of concern that fire might spread to the wood and thatch buildings common at the time. Today the islet holds a memorial known as the Black Angel, created in 1927 by the sculptor Barberis and the architect Perrin to honour Malagasy soldiers who died fighting for France in the First World War. Jacaranda trees along the shore bloom violet in October, the best time for photographs. Old small boats sit at the bank, with the hills of the Upper Town behind the water. The lake hosts a firework festival every year on Independence Day. The lake lies about 1.3 km from Andafiavaratra Palace in a straight line. Walking around it is pleasant by day, but going alone after dark is not advised. Watch your phone and bag in crowds, and treat the memorial with respect, as it is a place of remembrance.
A memorial reached by a narrow causeway.
Violet blooms in October.
The capital's hills behind the water.
South of the Upper Town, Antananarivo, Madagascar
In October when the jacarandas bloom, and by day in general.
The Black Angel of 1927, honouring Malagasy soldiers of the First World War.
