The capital of the Haute Matsiatra Region, Fianarantsoa is among
the biggest and oldest cities in the country, and a top tourist
destination in Madagascar. Fianarantsoa is the intellectual and
cultural heart of Madagascar with a large university and many
events and festivals, including the traditional Betsileo folk
festivals held between May and September. The city is home to the
oldest cathedrals in Madagascar (a mix of Protestant, Lutheran, and
Catholic churches). Strolling around the colourful old town of
Fiana, as the locals refer to it, is a great way to soak up
Madagascan culture.
Surrounded by vineyards, Fianarantsoa is also the wine capital
of Madagascar. Although experienced wine tourists may be
disappointed by the lack of polish of the wineries and shops in
town, wine tasting in Madagascar is an increasingly popular
activity. Maromby, just north of Fianarantsoa, is a quiet village
with a monastery that offers a good selection of local wines.
A popular excursion from the city is the attractive town of
Ambalavao, in the Central Highlands. The town is well-known for
paper-making, specialising in the Malagasy Antaimoro paper, made
from papyrus and wild flowers. The paper is a popular souvenir from
Madagascar, as is the silk produced at a factory in town. Those who
travel to Ambavalao find it a thriving town with colourful
buildings framed by elaborately-carved wooden balconies and tiled
roofs.