Mafra Palace: A Baroque Jewel
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Port
Lisbon, Portugal
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$159.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Visit Mafra Palace -- a remarkable example of Baroque architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built-in 1711 by King João V, Mafra is known for its elaborate decorations and symmetrical design. The former royal estate occupies almost 3,000 acres.
Inside the palace, you’ll find one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe. It contains around 30,000 volumes, including unique or very rare copies of some 16th-century books. Oddly, the preservation of these ancient works is the responsibility of an army of tiny bats that hunt the paper-eating insects each night.
The Basilica’s bell towers hold 98 bells -- one of the largest sets of bells in the world -- and six historic organs. If you’re lucky, you may hear the bells chime. Keep in mind that these are the very same bells that tolled when Napoleon was defeated by the English army here in the 18th century.
Take some time in Mafra town to explore the traditional streets and cafés. You’ll have a chance to taste Mafra bread (at your own expense) -- Portugal’s most famous bread -- or the traditional egg and almond candy called Fradinho.
Notes:
Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes.