Rova are ancient fortified royal complexes built mainly in the central highlands of Madagascar by the Merina people, particularly by the noble class known as the Andriana. Originally, the term rova referred to a pointed wooden palisade surrounding the residence of a king or a high-ranking official.
A rova typically included several key elements: a royal palace, the tomb of the founder, a central square marked by a symbolic stone, fig trees, linked to royalty, planted near the enclosure, and defensive structures such as walls, moats, and stone gates. These complexes were often built on hilltops for both strategic and spiritual reasons.
The first known rova was established in Alasora around 1540 by King Andriamanelo. Today, some rova, like those of Ambohimanga or Ilafy, have become historic sites open to the public, while others were partially destroyed by fires and now exist only as ruins.