Fianarantsoa was founded in the 19th century. It is regarded the academic and intellectual capital of Madagascar and it is also a Christian center, which is unusual in Madagascar. It is located some 290 km south of Antananarivo, in the center of the island's major agricultural region.

Locals tend to call the city Fiana. Its skyline is dominated by Mount Kianjasoa the rises 1,347 m (4,506 feet), on the western side of town.

After a Swiss company realized the area would be perfect fore wine production in the 1970s, the area has become a major player on the wine markets. Another product that is grown in the area is tea. If you want to learn more about its production you can visit the Savahamby Tea Estate. The estate is 23 km (14 mi) to the east of Fiana.

There are 2 rivers that cross Fianarantsoa. The Mandranofotsy River in the West and the Tsiandanitra River in the East. There are several distinct areas in town, which are built in various levels.

• One of the poorest parts is the low lying Basse-Ville, but this is also the city's liveliest neighborhood.
• The beautiful Swiss-styled railway station is in this part of town. It was built in 1935.
• A memorial dedicated to the victims of the Malagasy Uprising of 1947 is located in the middle of Place de la Gare (Station Square), in front of the railway station.
• Several taxi-brousse stations are also located in Basse-Ville.

• Higher up the mountainside is Nouvelle-Ville with its office buildings, banks and fancy hotels. Nouvelle-Ville is the Fianarantsoa's business district.

• The most beautiful sector of Fianarantsoa sits on the highest level of a hill and is therefore called Haute-Ville. The views over the rest of Fiana, the rice fields in the surrounding area and over Lac Anosy are marvelous from there. Haute Ville (Upper Town) is Fianarantsoa's historical center. It features numerous beautifully restored brick houses, as well as various churches on Rue du Rova (Rova Street).
• The Cathédrale du Saint-Nom-de-Jésus de Fianarantsoa is the largest church in Fianarantsoa. It was constructed over a period from 1871 to 1890.
• The Église Antranobiriky was built in 1859, making it the oldest church in Fianarantsoa.
• The Protestant Neogothic É Trinité Masombahoaka (or Fiangonana Trinité Mahasombahoaka) was inaugurated in 1885.
• É Fahazavana (Fahazavana Church) was built at the end of the 19th century in a Neo-Romanesque style.

The city has a large choice of accommodation and restaurants. Fiana is connected with the capital by bus and taxi-brousse and there are also several flights a week between the two. You can also find transport to Antsirabe in the south. Bring warm clothing, as it can get quite cold in Fiana because of its altitude.

Fianarantsoa ©Cédric Liénart

Railway Station ©Nigel Hoult

Brick Factory ©Francesco Veronesi

Fianarantsoa ©Chris

Brick Factory ©Francesco Veronesi