Royal Building of Mafra: A Comprehensive Guide

Overview

The Royal Building of Mafra, located approximately 50 kilometers northwest of Lisbon, Portugal, is a grand architectural ensemble that combines a Palace, Basilica, Convent, Cerco Garden, and Hunting Park (Tapada). This UNESCO World Heritage Site was commissioned by King John V in the early 18th century as a tribute to the Catholic Church.

The Palace (Palaçio Nacional)

Architecture

The Palace, built between 1717 and 1755, is an excellent example of Baroque architecture. It consists of two main wings: the North Wing (Ala Norte), housing the State Apartments, and the South Wing (Ala Sul), accommodating the private apartments of the royal family. The Palace’s facade is adorned with intricate sculptures, while its interior boasts ornate frescoes, gilded woodwork, and exquisite tiles (azulejos).

State Apartments

The State Apartments are a series of grand rooms designed for official receptions and ceremonies. Some notable rooms include the Throne Room, featuring a magnificent wooden throne adorned with gold, and the Hall of Battles, showcasing battle scenes depicting Portugal’s military victories throughout history.

Private Apartments

The private apartments provide insights into the daily life of the royal family. Rooms such as the Queen’s Chamber, King’s Study, and the Children’s Room offer a glimpse into their personal lives. The Library, containing over 36,000 volumes, is particularly noteworthy for its impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts.

The Basilica (São Francisco Xavier)

Architecture

The Basilica, consecrated in 1755, was designed to house the remains of Saint Francis Xavier. Its Baroque architecture is characterized by its grandiose scale, intricate stone carvings, and elaborate frescoes. The Basilica can accommodate up to 6,000 people and houses a magnificent pipe organ with over 7,000 pipes.

Interior

The interior of the Basilica is equally impressive, with a nave flanked by two aisles and several chapels housing important religious artifacts. The Chapel of São Francisco Xavier contains the saint’s sarcophagus, while the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is notable for its stunning gilded woodwork.

The Convent (Convento)

The Convent, also built between 1717 and 1755, was intended to house a community of Benedictine monks and nuns. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing religious art and artifacts, including a collection of ecclesiastical vestments, silverware, and manuscripts.

The Cerco Garden (Jardim do Cerco)

The Cerco Garden is a charming Baroque garden surrounding the Royal Building. Its layout features geometric patterns, fountains, statues, and an avenue lined with over 100 species of trees. Visitors can stroll through this picturesque garden, taking in its tranquil atmosphere and enjoying the various sculptures and fountains on display.

The Hunting Park (Tapada)

The Hunting Park, covering an area of approximately 6,000 hectares, was originally established as a royal hunting ground. Today, it serves as a natural reserve teeming with wildlife such as deer, wild boar, and various bird species. The park also features several walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its scenic landscapes and take in the abundant flora and fauna.

Practical Information for Visitors

• Location: Mafra, Portugal (approximately 50 kilometers northwest of Lisbon)
• Opening Hours: Daily from 9:30 am to 6 pm (November – February); 9:30 am to 7 pm (March – October)
• Admission Fee: Adults - €12; Students (upon presentation of a valid student card) - €8; Children under 12 and seniors over 65 - Free admission
• Guided Tours: Available in Portuguese, English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian. It is recommended to book in advance during peak seasons.
• Accessibility: Most areas of the Royal Building are wheelchair accessible.
• Facilities: Gift shop, restaurant, restrooms, and free parking are available on site.