Lake Anosy | |
Location: | Antananarivo, Madagascar |
Coordinates: | -18.9152°N 47.5216°W |
Type: | Reservoir |
Pushpin Map: | Madagascar |
Pushpin Map Alt: | Location of the lake in Madagascar. |
Lake Anosy [anˈuːsi] (French: Lac Anosy) is an artificial lake in the southern part of the capital city of Madagascar, Antananarivo, about two miles south of Haute-Ville.[1] Ampefiloha is located to the west of the lake, Isoraka to the northwest and Mahamasina to the north.
A swamp was replaced with Lake Anosy during the era of the ruler Radama I. The lake was constructed by James Cameron who gave it a shape of a heart. In the middle of the lake, there is an island connected with the city by an isthmus. On the island there is a French-built memorial to those fallen in the first world war, the Monument aux Morts[2] [1] made by sculptor Barberis and architect Perrin in 1927.[3] In the Radama I era there was a gunpowder factory on the island. Later there was built a summer residence for the Queen Ranavalona I.
By the lakeside there grow jacaranda trees that flower in October [1] and November. Great egrets used to take a rest by the lake. By the southern shore, there are barbers' kiosks.[1] On the national independence day, June 26, an annual firework festival is arranged on the lake.