Mafra National Palace Portugal

The majestic Mafra National Palace in Portugal is must-see. Located in the small town of Mafra, the palace is a magnificent Baroque and Italianate building, built by order of King John V in the 18th century. It is one of the largest palaces in Europe, covering 40,000m2 with 540 rooms, 4 cloisters, basilica and many other buildings. Its beautiful gardens and terraces are the perfect place to explore and admire the stunning architecture.

Mafra National Palace Portugal Summary

Attraction: Mafra National Palace
Country: Portugal
Continent: Europe
Capital Name: Lisbon
Language: Portuguese (official)
Currency: the EURO
Nationality: Portuguese

Why must you visit Mafra National Palace Portugal?

Mafra National Palace Portugal is a must-see destination for anyone interested in historic architecture and cultural heritage. This magnificent 18th-century palace is a sprawling complex of Baroque and Rococo buildings, gardens, and grounds located in the beautiful countryside of Portugal. The palace features an incredible wealth of ornate and intricate detail, from its iconic Belle Hall to its smaller decorative features.

Visitors are treated to an interactive experience, including guided tours and audio-visual displays, that explain the history and significance of this important and impressive monument.

Tell Us About Mafra National Palace Portugal

The Mafra National Palace is an 18th Century Baroque palace located in Mafra, Portugal. It is one of the largest Baroque buildings in Portugal and was built under the orders of King João V in the early 1700s. The building is composed of a palace, chapel, library, and a hugeconvent with two towers that were designed by the Italian architect Niccolo Pucci. The palace was built as a fulfillment of a promise King João V made, to build a magnificent palace if the Queen gave birth to a son.

Its iconic double-towered facade, symmetrical stone facade and central dome still upholds a unique grandeur. Inside, the palace is filled with gilded stucco decorations and paintings, in addition to tapestries, stately furniture, royal wardrobes and golden crystal chandeliers. Behind the palace are the royal gardens and a menagerie that houses exotic animals. The palace is still open to the public and it is now home to the Mafra National Palace Museum.

What Things to do in Mafra National Palace Portugal?

Things to do in Mafra National Palace Portugal are:

Visit the Mafra National Palace: Tour the luxurious and exuberant palace of King John V, with its sumptuous interiors and grandiose exteriors.
Enjoy the Tapada Garden: Admire the lush, lush green areas and lakes surrounding the palace.
Witness the Carriage Museum: Explore the extraordinary carriage collection, with carriages from historic French kings and European royalty.
Check out the Stables: Get a better view of the palace and the surrounding area from the stables.
Have a Picnic: Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch by the Tapada or at one of the picnic areas near the palace.
Explore the Palace Library: Take a look at the Art Gallery and the Library, where you can find over 360,000 volumes.
Visit the Clock Tower: Don’t forget to check out the Clock Tower, which offers unique and stunning views of the palace and the surrounding areas.
Attend the Summer Concerts: During the warmer months, enjoy some of the best musical productions in the palace’s courtyard.
See the Convent: Get a glimpse of the monastery connected to the palace, including the baroque bas-reliefs.
Experience the Sightseeing Tour: Take the sightseeing tour to get a more in-depth look at the palace and surrounding area.

What are Best Foods at Mafra National Palace Portugal?

The best foods at Mafra National Palace Portugal are:

Sericaia: A sweet egg-based pastry originating in the Mafra region.
Pastéis de Santa Clara: A large egg tart pastry served at Mafra National Palace in the town of Santa Maria.
Roast Piglet with Potato Filling: A traditional dish from Mafra National Palace.
Filhós de Almôndega: Fried dough dumplings with a delicious almond filling.
Espalhe de Cabra: Cheese from goat’s milk, served as a starter dish in Mafra National Palace.
Grilled Sardines: A classic dish of grilled sardines served with a light lemon and garlic sauce.
Stewed Rabbit with Spices: A tasty rabbit stew served with spices and accompanied by a garlicky mustard sauce.
Rice with Duck: A delicious combination of rice, duck, and mushrooms cooked in a paprika and butter sauce.
Mafra-style Escargots: Escargot cooked in a rich garlic, parsley and white wine sauce.
Travesseiro de Santa Clara: A dessert pastry made with almonds and wrapped in puff pastry dough.