Mafra, situated just 39 kilometers (24 mi) northwest of Lisbon, boasts Portugal's grandest structure, the Palácio Nacional de Mafra. Despite the palace's imposing presence, Mafra offers a charming town centre with numerous cafes and restaurants lining Praça da República and beyond. MADABOUTSINTRA.COM serves as your essential companion for a seamless trip. Explore our comprehensive guides detailing must-see sights, top destinations, accommodation options, and dining hotspots. Discover hassle-free tour suggestions crafted to streamline your visit to local attractions. Plan your Mafra adventure effortlessly with MADABOUTSINTRA.COM as your trusted travel companion.
With this entrance ticket you can gain entry to the National Palace of Mafra at your leisure. Buy online before you arrive to avoid queues and have the convenience of the e-ticket on your phone…
Book with confidence with the FREE CANCELLATION option.
• Kids under Five get in free, no ticket required
• If your plans change we have you covered with the option to cancel and get a full refund
Wednesday – Monday: 09h00 - 13h00/14h00 – 18h00, Tuesday: CLOSED
Lisbon Card: FREE
Contact Details
Terreiro D. João V, 2640-492, Mafra, Portugal.
38° 56' 12.8"N | 09° 19' 40.2"W | +351 261 817 550
geral@pnmafra.dgpc.pt | Website
Mafra Palace – Front Elevation
This magnificent 18th-century Baroque edifice encompasses a regal residence, a Basilica, and a Convent, featuring an array of Italian sculptures, Italian and Portuguese paintings, a library, two towering bell towers, six organs, and an 18th-century hospital. Commissioned by King D. João V and Dona Maria Ana of Austria in 1711, fulfilling a vow made after years of childlessness, the palace's construction began on the day of Dona Maria Pia's birth in 1717. With meticulous geometric and symmetrical design sprawled across 40,000 sq. metres, it boasts over 4,500 windows and doors, and 1,200 rooms interconnected by 150 flights of stairs, all crafted from local stone. Mafra epitomises Baroque grandeur, showcasing Portugal's prosperity and influence sustained by Brazilian gold, although King D. João V's ambitious architectural endeavours, including Mafra's construction, nearly led to Portugal's bankruptcy.
The King found the initial plans by German architect Ludwig too modest and sought a more extravagant design. Italian architect Frederico Ludovice infused the project with an Italian aesthetic. At the peak of construction, over 15,000 artisans, masons, and sculptors were involved, with rumours of a garrison of 6,000 troops maintaining order on-site. Despite most work being finished by 1730, construction continued until the tragic events of 1755, outlasting King D.João V's death. After the Great Earthquake's devastation, builders were redirected to aid Lisbon's reconstruction.
Though intended as a summer retreat, the palace boasts a grand total of 666 rooms to ensure royal comfort. The King and Queen, devout as they were, each had separate quarters in large pavilions at the palace's front corners. A church sits between two towers 220 metres apart, with connecting corridors enabling the royal couple to attend services from their chambers. Portuguese, Italian, and French masterpieces adorned the royal abodes, featuring works by artists like Cirilo Volkmar Machado and Domingos Sequeira. Fleeing Napoleon's forces, the royal family sought refuge in Brazil, taking valuables along, but leaving behind numerous treasures. Mafra remained a regal residence until the end of the Portuguese monarchy, with King Manuel II spending his final night there before exile in 1910.
Mafra Palace interior
Mafra Palace Basilica
The Basilica was consecrated on October 22, 1730, coinciding with the King's 41st birthday. António Machado Cerveira and Peres Fontanes crafted unique organs, which debuted together on May 15, 2010, following a restoration effort. Complementing the organs, Mafra boasts two carillons, each featuring forty-nine bells positioned on either side of the main façade. Inside the main chapel, a painting by Francesco Trevisani depicts the Virgin, Jesus, and St. Anthony, the church's patron. Alessandro Giusti, from the Mafra School of Sculpture, is credited with the marble retables of the side chapels, the Holy Family (south), and the Blessed Sacrament (north), along with the six collateral chapels. Notably, the Basilica houses an ensemble of statues by Italian masters, constituting the most significant collection of Baroque Italian sculptures outside Italy.
Initially intended to accommodate just 13 monks, Mafra's project underwent successive expansions, culminating in a colossal building spanning approximately 40,000 square metres, equipped to house 300 Franciscan monks. The King, drawing from his treasury, ensured financial support for the convent's construction. Monks received alms biannually, comprising essentials like tobacco, paper, linen, and Burel cloth for habit-making. Each monk managed two habits, responsible for their washing and repairs. The monastery consumed substantial resources annually, including 120 wine barrels, 70 olive oil barrels, and 600 cows.
Adjacent to the monastery stood a walled garden featuring an orchard, multiple water tanks, and four ballgame fields for monk recreation, including a ring game and two fields for a traditional game called "laranjinha." During the early Peninsular War (19th century), the convent endured occupation by French and later a British allied garrison. Following the dissolution of Portugal's religious orders on May 30, 1834, the monastery transitioned to army ownership, presently serving as the School of the Arms headquarters. Visitors can explore various areas like the Cemetery Chapel, Infirmary, Chapter Room, Literary Acts Hall, La Lys staircase, and Refectory.
Mafra Monastery
Mafra Library
Situated within the eastern wing of the Mafra complex, the remarkable 83-metre main room hosts the extensive library, a pinnacle of Portugal's 18th-century monastic and royal libraries. Organised by monks from the Convent of Arrábida, the collection of 40,000 volumes still remains intact, boasting rare editions from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Noteworthy works include the Nuremberg Chronicle (1493), Ortelius's Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (1595), and the Diderot et d'Alembert Biographie. Additionally, the library houses scores by renowned musicians like João de Sousa Carvalho and Marcos Portugal, specifically composed for Mafra's six organs.
Similar to Coimbra's University Joanina Library, Mafra's library hosts a colony of bats that aid in pest control by minimising insect damage. Released nightly, these industrious bats consume up to twice their body weight in insects, serving as a natural form of pest management for over 300 years. Each evening, credenzas are covered with leather sheets, and each morning, the library is cleared of bat guano.
Wednesday - Monday: 09h00 - 13h00/14h00 - 18h00, Tuesday: CLOSED.
Adult: €6.00, Child under 6: FREE, Lisbon Card: FREE
Getting There
Campo Grande (Mafrense)
Contact Details
Terreiro D. João V, 2640-492, Mafra, Portugal.
38° 56' 12.8"N | 09° 19' 40.2"W | +351 261 817 550
geral@pnmafra.dgpc.pt | Website
There are plenty of various types of eateries in close proximity of the Palace. | |
There are toilets in the palace in various places. | |
There is free car parking to the side of the palace. | |
Work is currently being carried out to make Mafra Palace fully accessible for those with reduced mobility and wheelchairs. |
National Palace of Mafra aerial
Tapada Nacional de Mafra
Located just eight kilometres (5 mi) north of Mafra lies the former Royal Hunting grounds, transformed into a haven for relaxation and conservation. Established in 1747, this sprawling 819-hectare estate once catered to the needs of the Palace, royal family, and courtiers. Once a favoured retreat for King Carlos, the grounds now boast a diverse biodiversity, featuring rare flora and fauna across varied landscapes. Within its expansive forested areas dwell various species, including deer, wild boar, and the elusive Iberian lynx. The park offers a network of walking paths, mountain bike trails, and a range of recreational activities for visitors to partake in. Additionally, visitors can explore the remnants of defensive walls and ruined forts known as the Linhas de Torres, constructed during the Napoleonic Wars to safeguard Lisbon.
Weekdays: 09h00 - 17h00, Weekends: 09h00 - 18h000.
Contact Details
Tapada Nacional de Mafra - Portão do Codeçal - 2640-602 Mafra, Portugal.
38° 57' 52.8"N | 09° 18' 09.8"W | +351 261 810 100
geral@cm-mafra.pt | Website
Nestled within the historic old town is the delightful 13th-century Gothic church, recently renovated to its former glory. The Church of Santo André houses the tombs of Dom Diogo de Sousa and his wife, offering visitors a glimpse into the area's rich history. Through archaeological excavations, insights into the church's evolution emerged, including 17th-century alterations such as the addition of the domed roof. Despite falling into disrepair by the late 19th century, extensive restoration efforts commenced in 1903, culminating in its designation as a national monument just five years later. Today, the Church of Santo André stands as a testament to the town's enduring heritage and architectural significance.Nestled within the historic old town is the delightful 13th-century Gothic church, recently renovated to its former glory. The Church of Santo André houses the tombs of Dom Diogo de Sousa and his wife, offering visitors a glimpse into the area's rich history. Through archaeological excavations, insights into the church's evolution emerged, including 17th-century alterations such as the addition of the domed roof. Despite falling into disrepair by the late 19th century, extensive restoration efforts commenced in 1903, culminating in its designation as a national monument just five years later. Today, the Church of Santo André stands as a testament to the town's enduring heritage and architectural significance.
Contact Details
Praça do Município, 2644-001, Mafra, Portugal.
38° 42' 29.8"N | 09° 08' 21.7"W | +351 261 810 100
geral@cm-mafra.pt
Church of Santo André
Since its establishment in 1987, the Iberian Wolf Recovery Centre (IWRC) has served as a vital sanctuary for this unique species, whose natural habitats have dwindled over centuries. Spanning 17 hectares, the park ensures the well-being of its resident wolves through dedicated care. The IWRC is committed to fostering awareness about the Iberian wolf, both in the wild and in captivity. Visitors to the centre can delve into the fascinating world of the Iberian wolf, learning about its biology, ecology, behaviour, and social structure, as well as the challenges it faces as a predator. While observing the wolves in their expansive, densely vegetated enclosures, sightings are not guaranteed. Guided tours are available to the public on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays, with booking required. These tours, lasting 90 minutes, offer a captivating journey through the sanctuary's public areas, providing insights into the lives of these majestic creatures.
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: High Season: 16h00 - 20h00, Low Season: 14h30 - 18h000.
Contact Details
Quinta da Murta, Picão, 2665-150 Gradil, Mafra, Portugal.
38° 57' 38.5"N | 09° 16' 17.3"W | +351 261 785 037
crloboiberico@ciencias.ulisboa.pt | Website
This holiday home is set in a central location within Mafra town, Vila Mafra - Grill Terrace offers several townhouses, each with free WiFi, seating areas and a flat-screen TV. All units include a kitchen, a living room, a private bathroom and a terrace with views of the garden. A dishwasher and oven are also provided, as well as a coffee machine. In the garden, you can find barbecue and garden furniture for your comfort. The Palace is within a stone's throw, as are many amenities, including restaurants, cafés and supermarket.
11C Rua Domingos Dias Machado, 2640-534 Mafra, Portugal. | 38º 42' 19.4" N | 09º 23' 42.7" W
Quinta do Brejo – Turismo Equestre is a farm with stables. It's surrounded by lush vegetation five and a half miles from Mafra. The Quinta comes with free WiFi access. Set within an inviting rural setting, a stay here is an ideal opportunity for relaxing and enjoying a spot of horse riding. Quinta do Brejo is comprised of typically Portuguese cottages with all the necessary commodities for an enjoyable stay. Its proximity to the sea lends it a natural beauty, which is characteristic of the region. A continental breakfast is served each morning. Guests can have horse riding lessons on-site, and the natural surroundings of Quinta do Brejo provides a beautiful setting for a walk. Ericeira beaches are a 20-minute drive from this farm, and Malveira Train Station is a five-minute drive away.
Rua Mestre Nuno Oliveira, Avessada, 2665-402 Santo Estevão das Galés, Mafra, Portugal.
38º 54' 48.15" N | 09º 15' 59.53"
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A small traditional Portuguese restaurant close to the Palace. The staff smiles are just as generous as their portion sizes yet surprisingly good value considering the location. Ignore the grumpy expression of the cockerel on their logo, I guess he didn't have a good morning.
Monday - Saturday: 11h00 - 15h00/18h30 - 22h00, Sundays: 11h00 - 15h00
13 Rua Primeiro de Dezembro, 2640-454 Mafra, Portugal. |
38º 56' 18.4" N | 09º 19' 41.1" W
+351 261 812 328
After walking around the Palace and Convent, you may feel you've burned up enough calories to be able to afford something naughty… if so, head straight to Fradinho. Their signature pastry is the Fradinho which is thought to have some connection with the convent at the palace, it acquired its name from the bakery's founder; Francisco Fradinho. In addition, there is a large selection of cakes and pastries on offer and good coffee to boot. The friendly staff are more than happy to advise and make suggestions.
28-30 Praca da Republica, Centro, Mafra 2640-525, Portugal.
39º 39' 33.8" N | 08º 49' 28.3" W
+351 261 815 738 | Website
Authentic Japanese cuisine in the heart of Mafra. The sushi and sashimi are excellently prepared and presented using only the finest fresh ingredients. The menu is varied and the staff are very friendly.
Daily: 12h30 - 15h00/19h30 - 23h00
Rua Serpa Pinto 19, Mafra 2640-534, Portugal. |
38º 57' 0.0" N | 09º 19' 59.9" W
+351 261 853 562 | himitsusushibar@gmail.com |
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Mafra is 35.5km (22 miles) North West of Lisbon Portela Airport Website GET A GREAT DEAL ON FLIGHTS: | |
Mafra is 40km (25 Miles) North of Lisbon via the A8 and 14 Miles (22km) North of Sintra via the N9.
GET A GREAT DEAL ON CAR HIRE: |
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Carris Metropolitana buses run regular buses from Lisbon, Sintra train station and Ericeira: |