Visit Mafra town with pick-up in Lisbon or at the hotel in a private van, we’ll drive you towards to Mafra village, popular for the Mafra National Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2019, including as well an Basilica, Convent and Garden.
On the arrival, get to know the history of the town, walk in the square and taste the local sweet Fradinho (white beans, grated almonds, sugar syrup and egg yolks).
After will be time to visit one of the main popular local attractions Mafra National Palace with tickets included.
The Mafra National Palace which also served as a Franciscan friary, was built during the reign of King John V (1717–1755), as consequence of a vow the king made in 1711, to build a convent if his wife, Queen Mariana, gave him offspring. The birth of his first daughter the Infanta Barbara of Portugal, prompted construction of the palace to begin. The palace was conveniently located near royal hunting preserves, and was usually a secondary residence for the royal family.
This vast complex, largely built of Lioz stone, is among the most sumptuous Baroque buildings in Portugal and at 40,000 m2, one of the largest royal palaces. Designed by the German architect Johann Friedrich Ludwig, the palace was built symmetrically from a central axis, occupied by the basilica, and continues lengthwise through the main façade until two major towers. The structures of the convent are located behind the main façade. The building also includes a major library, with about 30,000 rare books.
The basilica is decorated with several Italian statues and includes six historical pipe organs and two carillons, composed of 98 bells.
The facade is 220 meters long. The whole complex covers 37,790 m2 with about 1,200 rooms, more than 4,700 doors and windows, and 156 stairways.
After visiting the Mafra National Palace will be time to enjoy the gardens on the back. Return to Lisbon.
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