Mafra Palace: An Impressive Portuguese Royal Residence
Mafra Palace, a spectacular royal residence located in Portugal, has been attracting visitors for centuries. As one of the largest and most impressive Baroque palaces in Portugal, this stunning architecture is a must-see for travelers. From its grandiose architecture to its beautiful gardens, Mafra Palace has something to offer for everyone.
History and Architecture of Mafra Palace
The Palace of Mafra was built between 1717 and 1755. This grandiose palace was commissioned by King John V of Portugal in order to fulfill a promise that he made to the Virgin Mary if she provided him with a male heir. Construction took 38 years and was a major undertaking, involving thousands of workers, many of whom died due to the harsh conditions.
The palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, featuring a symmetrical layout of buildings, courtyards, and gardens. The main façade is 530 meters long and is the longest façade of any palace in the world. The palace has a total of 1,200 rooms, including royal apartments, kitchen, library, and even a basilica.
The interior of the palace is as impressive as the exterior, with an ornate and luxurious décor that features frescoes, gilded woodwork, and marble floors. The highlight of the interior is the library, which is home to 40,000 books and manuscripts, and one of the most important collections of Portuguese literature.
Mafra Palace Gardens
The grounds of the palace are just as impressive as the building itself, with over 500 acres of gardens, fountains, and statues. The gardens are divided into two sections – the Baroque gardens and the Romantic gardens. The Baroque gardens feature a series of terraces, pathways, and fountains that lead up to the palace, while the Romantic gardens feature more rustic and natural elements, such as meadows, streams, and trees.
The gardens are home to a variety of plants, trees, and flowers, and the palace also has several greenhouses for exotic plants. There are also a number of statues and monuments throughout the gardens, including the Monument to the Third Centenary of the Palace, which was created to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the palace.
Attractions at Mafra Palace
Visitors to Mafra Palace can explore the palace and its gardens, as well as visit the nearby Convent of Mafra. The convent was built alongside the palace and is home to a number of monastic cells, a library, and an 18th-century chapel. Visitors can also explore the palace’s hunting grounds, which are home to a variety of wildlife.
The palace also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, theatrical performances, and art exhibitions. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the palace and its grounds, which provides more detail about the history and architecture of the palace.
Conclusion
Mafra Palace is a must-see for any traveler to Portugal. With its grandiose architecture, impressive gardens, and rich history, it is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and one of the most impressive palaces in Europe. Visitors can explore the palace and its grounds, as well as take part in a variety of events and activities.