Category: Civil Architecture > Palace
District: Lisboa > Mafra > Mafra > Vilãs
The Convent of Mafra, also known as the National Palace of Mafra, is one of the most important monuments in Portugal, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019. Located in Mafra, the building is famous for its monumental architecture and Baroque style, with Italian and Germanic influences.
The complex includes the Palace, Convent, and Basilica of Mafra, with over 1,200 divisions, 156 staircases, and 29 courtyards. It is one of the largest constructions in Portugal, with a harmonious combination of religious, royal, and administrative spaces.
In the center of the monument lies the Basilica, inspired by the great churches of Rome. It features six historical organs that function together, and is known for its Italian statuary in Carrara marble.
The monument was commissioned by King John V in 1717, in fulfillment of a promise to obtain offspring. Originally designed for 13 Franciscan friars, the convent eventually grew to house 300 friars, demonstrating the king's ambition.
Among the most prominent spaces are the Main Gallery, 232 meters long, connecting the king's and queen's apartments, the Throne Room, and the Hall of Discoveries, where the historical achievements of Portugal are celebrated.
The Palace Library is one of the treasures of the monument, with over 36,000 volumes, many of them rare and prohibited at the time. The space has a grandiose design and is considered one of the most important in the world.
The monument has one of the largest carillons in the world, with 92 bells distributed between the two towers of the palace. The bells play complex melodies and are one of the main attractions for visitors.
Although the royal family used the palace for a brief period, it was an important hunting and retreat location. In 1807, it was from Mafra that King John VI departed for Brazil, and in 1910, King Manuel II spent his last night there before exile.
In addition to the building, the monument features the Tapada Nacional de Mafra, a vast green area of game reserve that serves as a setting for outdoor activities and events linked to nature.
Currently, the Palace of Mafra is being prepared to host the National Museum of Music, scheduled to open in 2024, further reinforcing its cultural importance.
It is one of the most visited monuments in Portugal, attracting thousands of tourists annually, who seek to learn about its history, the grandeur of its architecture, and its vast artistic collection.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palácio_Nacional_de_Mafra
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.93700125289267,-9.326772445966938
Coordinates DMS: 38°56'13.2"N 09°19'36.4"W
Weather Mafra
On-duty Pharmacy Mafra
