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The original palace was built by wood under the supervision of Queen Ranavalona I. In 1872, this wooden palace was replaced by the current palace according to the plans of British architect William Pool. In the centre of the 3-storey palace there is a large reception hall which is lit up by a glass dome. Each of the four corner towers include a bell tower. From 1864 to 1895 the palace was the residence of prime minister [[Rainilaiarivony]], who married three queens and excersised ultimate power from there.
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="margin-right:10px;"><tr>
<td valign="top">[[File:Andafiavaratra_Palace_002.jpg|185px|none|thumb|Analakely Market]]</td>
<td valign="top">[[File:Andafiavaratra_Palace_001.jpg|185px|none|thumb|Staircase to the market]]</td>
<td valign="top">[[File:Andafiavaratra_Palace_003.jpg|185px|none|thumb|Busy market street]]</td></tr></table>
After Madagascar became independent, the palace was used as army barracks, court, school of fine arts, presidential palace and finally again as the prime minister's office.