The Palace of Mafra (Palácio Nacional de Mafra)

This grand palace, encompassing a vast area of 40,000 square meters, is considered one of Portugal's most opulent Baroque structures and stands as one of the largest royal palaces in existence. Designed by the skilled German architect Johann Friedrich Ludwig, the palace exudes symmetrical beauty, with its central axis occupied by the magnificent basilica and extending through the main façade to two prominent towers. The convent structures are situated behind the façade, while a remarkable library within the palace houses around 30,000 rare books.

The basilica within the palace is adorned with exquisite Italian statues and boasts six historical pipe organs and two carillons, comprising a total of 98 melodious bells. It is a testament to the palace's grandeur and the artistic vision that guided its creation.

Funding for the palace's construction primarily came from the bountiful resources of the Brazilian colonies, where immense quantities of gold and diamonds were mined. King John V's vow to construct a convent, upon the birth of his first daughter, Infanta Barbara of Portugal, spurred the palace's creation. Conveniently located near royal hunting grounds, the palace also served as a secondary residence for the royal family.

The building of this Baroque and Neoclassical architectural marvel spanned over 13 years and involved a colossal workforce of workers from across Portugal. Thousands of soldiers were assigned to maintain order at the construction site, while a hospital cared for the sick and wounded laborers. Tragically, 1,383 workers lost their lives during the construction process.

Upon completion, the palace boasted a friary capable of accommodating 330 friars, a sumptuous royal residence, and an extensive library filled with marble, exotic woods, and countless artworks from France, Flanders, and Italy. However, the construction was not entirely finished when the devastating Lisbon earthquake struck in 1755, diverting resources and attention away from the palace's completion.

Throughout history, the palace was intermittently occupied by the Portuguese royalty, who found the interior chambers somewhat gloomy. Nevertheless, it remained a favored destination for royal family members who enjoyed hunting in the nearby Tapada Nacional de Mafra game preserve. Over time, the palace witnessed partial renovations and temporary inhabitation by notable figures such as Marshal Junot and King John VI.

In 1834, Queen Maria II ordered the dissolution of the religious orders, leading to the abandonment of the convent by the Franciscans. Subsequently, the palace served primarily as a hunting base during the reigns of the House of Braganza. It played a poignant role in history when the last king of Portugal, Manuel II, departed from the palace in 1910, beginning his exile following the proclamation of the republic.

Recognizing its historical and architectural significance, the Palace of Mafra was declared a national monument in 1907. Today, it is diligently preserved by the Portuguese Institute of the Architectonic Patrimony, which has undertaken extensive restoration projects, including the conservation of the main façade and the restoration of the remarkable pipe organs, a project that garnered the prestigious Europa Nostra 2012 award.

Visiting the Palace of Mafra is an opportunity to step into the splendor of Portugal's royal past, marvel at the grandeur of Baroque and Neoclassical design, and immerse oneself in the rich history and cultural heritage that this architectural gem represents.