Palace of Mafra
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Palace of Mafra - by Pedro S Bello (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Description
The Palace of Mafra is an 18th-century Baroque and Neoclassical palace-monastery of monumental proportions (there are 1,200 rooms, 156 stairways, and 29 inner yards and courtyards). It was commissioned by King John V and mostly built using Lioz stone. The façade is 220m wide and flanked by square tower with bulbous domes, denoting a Central European influence (the designer was German). Othe notable architectural features include the 88m-long library containing 36,000 leather-bound volumes and the 70m-high cupola of the basilica.
Access & Transport
The place is in the town of Mafa itself, 40km northwest of Lisbon and 20km north of Sintra
Instructions & Recommendations
We would not recommend visiting on the same day as the Palace of Queluz or the Palace of Sintra
Environmental & Social
Some serious electricity consumption considering the size but reasonable on a per-visitor basis. Part of the country's architectural and historical heritages
Conclusion
The National palace of Mafra is an excellent alternative to Queluz and Sintra. Possibly more impressive in terms of scale but less luxurious inside. Definitely worth a visit and affordably priced.
Key positive
Stunning library and façade
Not too crowded
Key negative
None
Suitability
Not yet fully wheelchair accessible but work in progress
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 40m
est. visit time:2h
Monday09:30 - 17:30
Tuesday -
Wednesday09:30 - 17:30
Thursday09:30 - 17:30
Friday09:30 - 17:30
Saturday09:30 - 17:30
Sunday09:30 - 17:30