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Discover the beautiful rooms of the National Palace in Mafra
I love hidden gems, and although Mafra Palace is not entirely hidden, it is much quieter than the nearby palaces in Sintra! The royal building is also huge; in fact, it’s the largest palace in Portugal, and you will have plenty of rooms to discover during your visit!
You’ll learn more about the Portuguese royal family who lived here and the beautiful baroque architecture of Palácio Nacional de Mafra. Today, the monument is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you can visit all the rooms, including the famous library with bats, in under two hours!
In this guide, I’ll happily explain what to expect during your visit, how to get to Mafra Palace, and which places you can visit nearby. It’s a fantastic option for a day trip from Lisbon!
Mafra Palace overview
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What to expect at the National Palace of Mafra
If you are interested in Portugal’s rich architectural history, you will enjoy visiting the National Palace of Mafra. The palace is located in the picturesque town of Mafra, around 40 kilometres northwest of Lisbon. It is an 18th-century monument that blends Baroque, Italianised Neoclassical, and Rococo styles.
You can visit many rooms inside Mafra National Palace, and the 200-metre long façade will be the first jaw-dropping place to visit. You will also explore the main basilica, spacious halls and countless rooms.
Along the tour, you will learn more about the lives of the Portuguese royal family and admire a vast collection of sculptures, paintings, and precious artefacts from around the world.
The history of National Palace Mafra
The National Palace of Mafra (Palácio de Mafra) was built during the 18th century by King João V. When you explore its beautiful halls and rooms, you’ll learn that the original purpose of the National Palace was to serve as a royal palace and a grand symbol of the wealth and power of Portugal during the reign of King João V.
The palace, designed by the German architect Johann Friedrich Ludwig, is an exquisite example of the Baroque style that he and other European architects used at the time.
Construction began in 1717 and took over 20 years to complete, with the palace finally inaugurated in 1735. During your visit, you’ll notice that it is divided into several sections, each with its unique design and decoration.
As you walk through the Basilica, the Franciscan Convent, and the Royal Palace, look for the fantastic sculptures, paintings, and other features that make the National Palace Mafra an important cultural heritage site.
Palace of Mafra today
Over the centuries, the National Palace of Mafra has undergone several changes to accommodate the various residential and administrative needs of Portuguese royalty and the royal attendants. Although it no longer serves as a royal residence, it has become an important historical landmark and a cultural symbol, signifying the grandeur of Portugal’s past.
In 2019, this architectural masterpiece was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, reinforcing its importance as a significant cultural and historical treasure. When you visit the National Palace Mafra, you’ll learn a lot about Portugal’s rich heritage and appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of the Baroque era, which still captivate visitors today.
The façade of Mafra Palace
The grand façade immediately catches your eye as you approach the royal building! The main façade contains the church and is symmetrically flanked by the palace. The building is decorated with turrets, detailed relief work, and gorgeous sculptural elements. The north and south towers contain two carillons with 92 bells.
You’ll notice the Portuguese limestone that coats the exterior, emphasising the monumental nature of the palace. The façade is a whopping 220 meters long and faces the town of Mafra. A standout feature of the façade is the impressive stairways in front of the main entrance.
From the steps, you have a stunning view. With clear weather, you can easily see the coastal town of Ericeira and the Atlantic Ocean!
The rooms in National Palace Mafra
The palace houses many rooms, including the Throne Room, the Guard Room, the Monastery, a sculpture room, a kitchen, an infirmary, and the king’s bed chamber. I will explain more about the rooms you can see during your visit. The first half of the tour is on the ground floor, followed by the second floor and the basilica.
The infirmary and convent
The convent consists of friars’ cells for the nursing brothers. Meals were prepared in the infirmary kitchen, and the infirmary itself was for the seriously ill. At the head of each bed was a tile panel of Christ, and at the foot end, one of the Virgin Mary.
On Sundays, all beds were placed in the middle of the room so everyone could attend mass. The steps at the back of the room lead straight to the cemetery.
Diana’s Hall
Cirilo Volkmar Machado, who made the ceiling decoration in 1800, depicted Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, and her nymphs. Belgian master Jan Leyniers, who made the tapestry, represented Alexander the Great, receiving Queen Thalestris of the Amazons.
The Throne Hall
The Throne Hall, or Audience Hall, was used for royal audiences. In 1860, King D. Pedro V abolished this ritual, deeming it outdated. Cirilo Volkmar Machado also painted this ceiling, showing an angel surrounded by sages.
The wall frescos represent the eight royal virtues: perfection, tranquillity, kindness, knowledge, generosity, peace, perseverance, and diligence. The two chairs were used for the inauguration in 1775.
The Royal Rooms
In the north tower, you’ll discover the royal apartments of the Palace of Mafra. The King used these rooms, which consisted of private apartments with bedrooms, a receiving room, and a family room. You’ll see beautifully decorated furniture like beds, a buffet table and cabinets.
Other rooms you should not miss
There are many more royal areas to discover, but these are up to you to visit. Some other highlights are the Music Room (also known as the Yellow Room), the Benediction Room, the Trophy Room (Sala dos Troféus), and the Games Room. Take your time to explore them all and see that time’s architecture, furniture and paintings.
National Palace Mafra Basilica
The Mafra Basilica is the centrepiece of this majestic complex. This Franciscan church is more than just a place of worship, as its architecture, artwork, and symbolic elements reflect the grandiosity of King João V’s reign.
Another unique feature of the Basilica is the presence of six organs—a rare sight in any church. Each organ has intricate carvings and was built in the 18th century.
The two towers of the basilica contain a unique set of 92 cast bronze bells, making them the most significant historical carillons in the world. The bells are divided into two carillons, liturgical and hour bells.
They have a distinct charm and continue to chime harmoniously across Mafra, just as they have done for centuries. The bells were recently restored, and in 2014, they were listed among Europe’s 7 Most Endangered Heritage Assets.
Mafra Palace Library
The Mafra Palace Library was built during the reign of King João V and later served as a retreat for King Manuel II, the last king of Portugal. It was designed by Manuel Caetano de Sousa. As you enter the library, you are greeted by stunning floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with books dating back to the 15th century.
You’ll be amazed by the collection of more than 36,000 books, including priceless volumes on the wooden bookshelves, some of which are rare incunabula. These books were printed before 1500, making them some of the earliest examples of printed literature worldwide.
The library has two rows of sidewalls filled with books, separated by a marble floor with different-coloured tiles. There are two floors, and a wooden railing separates the balcony. The leather-bound books contain the extent of Western knowledge from the 14th to the 19th century.
The library was used for reading and intellectual and cultural pursuits. A unique yet essential aspect of the library attracts everyone’s curiosity—the bats! Yes, you heard it right. A small colony of bats calls the Mafra Palace Library home. These bats are important in the library’s preservation, as they eat insects that could potentially damage precious books.
National Palace Mafra opening hours
The palace is open from Wednesday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays and certain holidays.
You can explore the palace from 9:30 AM to 5.30 PM. The last admission is at 16h45, so make sure you arrive with enough time to enjoy the palace.
Mafra Palace is closed on Tuesdays, January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st, and December 25th.
National Palace Mafra tickets
Tickets can be bought at the entrance, but purchasing them online beforehand might save you time if you want to ensure a hassle-free visit. The Mafra Palace entrance fee is €15.00 per person (13+). Children under 13 can enter for free but must be accompanied by an adult.
Visiting the royal palace is free if you have the Lisboa Card. You can purchase the Lisboa Card or the Mafra Palace entrance tickets below.
How to get from Lisbon to Mafra
By car
To get from Lisbon to Mafra by car, you can follow the A8 motorway (Autostrada do Oeste) for approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles) until you reach the exit for Mafra (Exit 5). Take this exit, and after exiting the A8, follow the signs towards Mafra on the A21.
From the A21, take exit 3 to join the N9 road, and the N116 will lead you directly to Mafra. Continue on this road for about 10 kilometres (6 miles). Once you reach Mafra, you can use GPS or follow local signs to navigate to your specific destination within the town. Mafra Palace is signposted, and it’s easy to reach.
Having a GPS device or a navigation app on your smartphone can be helpful for real-time directions. DiscoverCars is fantastic for renting a car in Portugal. Click here to learn more about car rental in Portugal, or click on the banner below to check the best prices.
Mafra National Palace parking
Right next to the Mafra National Palace is a large car park where you can park. Follow the designated parking area within walking distance of the palace entrance. You’ll have to pay to park, so bring some coins for the parking meter.
It’s important to note that the availability of parking spaces may vary depending on the time of day and the season, especially during peak tourist periods. It’s advisable to arrive early or plan your visit accordingly to secure a parking spot.
If the palace’s parking lot is full or you prefer to explore alternative parking options, you might find street parking in the surrounding areas of Mafra.
From Lisbon to Mafra by bus
There is no direct train connection from Lisbon to Mafra. However, you can take a bus from Lisbon to reach Mafra. You can use the service between Lisbon and Ericeira from the Campo Grande bus station in Lisbon. The service between Lisbon and Mafra is operated by Carris Metropolitana, and a single journey to Mafra costs € 4.50. Click here to check the current timetable.
Enjoy an organised tour to Mafra
If you don’t want to rent a car and want peace of mind, a day tour from Lisbon is perfect for enjoying the beauty of Mafra. Besides, you’ll get to visit more stunning places along the way! Here are some fabulous ideas for a day out:
- Mafra, Ericeira, and Queluz Day Tour
- Coastal villages and Mafra Palace
- From Lisbon to Peniche, Berlengas Island and Mafra Palace
Other sights to see in and around Mafra
Mafra is a small town, but wandering around after visiting the palace is lovely. Next door, for example, is a stunning garden called Jardim do Cerco. The Cerco Garden includes a playground, which is free to enter. Before you leave, grab a nice lunch at Sempre Quente, which offers tasty sandwiches and great coffee!
Remember to visit the hunting park Tapada Nacional de Mafra. This was once the private hunting ground for the royal family, but it is now a beautiful place for hiking! You might encounter wild boar and deer and see many different birds. It’s a stunning place for walks, but you can also explore the grounds by mountain bike.
There are several other coastal places close to Mafra. The nearby town of Ericeira is famous for surfing and its stunning beaches. If you want to return to Lisbon, you can also follow the beautiful coastal road to Azenhas do Mar, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais.
Hotels in Mafra
The atmosphere in Mafra is very relaxed, and if you need a break from the bustling cities, staying overnight in Mafra is a great idea! Enjoy a relaxing stay at Quinta dos Machados Countryside Hotel & Spa or the countryside at the nearby Aldeia da Mata Pequena. Ericeira boasts many more guesthouses and hotels, and you’ll be within walking distance from the ocean!
Not sure where to go in Portugal?
Take the free Portugal travel quiz and find the destination that best matches your travel style. You’ll get your result plus practical tips to help you start planning your trip.
FAQ
Is it worth visiting Mafra?
Absolutely. The town is small and has a lovely atmosphere. You can visit the enormous Mafra Palace, enjoy a walk in the Jardim do Cerco garden, or explore the beautiful Tapada Nacional de Mafra park nearby.
How long to spend in Mafra?
In half a day, you can see most things in Mafra. If you decide to explore the nearby former hunting grounds, you will need more time, as there are beautiful hiking trails to discover.
Who built Mafra National Palace?
King João V built it in the 18th century. The first stone of Mafra Palace was set as soon as his first daughter was born in 1717. Architect Johan Frederich Ludwig designed the building.
What is the biggest palace in Portugal?
The National Palace of Mafra is the largest palace in Portugal, and you can visit many rooms inside the building.
How long do you need at Mafra Palace?
It’s recommended that you schedule a visit to the National Palace of Mafra for at least 90 minutes, but if you want to take your time, it can take up to two hours.
Conclusion
Visiting the National Palace of Mafra offers a fascinating journey into Portugal’s past. The eye-catching palace architecture and rich historical significance will leave you inspired! I love to travel off the beaten path, and if you’re looking for similar experiences, you will appreciate visiting the royal palace.
You’ll need about 90 minutes to 2 hours to explore all the Palácio Nacional de Mafra rooms without rushing. The building covers an area of almost four hectares! And even though you can only visit parts of all 1.200 rooms, there is a lot to see!
The basilica is flanked by the place rooms, where you can visit the Music Room, the Trophy Room, and the Guard Room. The library, boasting over 36,000 books, is one of the highlights. The highlights of the basilica are the six organs and high ceilings. If you like architecture and history, you’ll love it here!
💡 Reserve your tickets for Mafra Palace online!
Other beautiful cities and sights north of Lisbon:
- 10 amazing tips for what to do in Óbidos Portugal
- 12 Things to do in Nazaré Portugal: Our favourite spots
- Watch the Nazaré big waves in Portugal; Things to know before you go!
- Buddha Eden; The largest, most beautiful oriental garden in Europe
- Discover the stunning Mafra National Palace
- Lisbon to Ericeira: A local guide to Portugal’s favourite surf town
- 10 Things to do in Caldas da Rainha
- 15 things to do in Tomar
- Visiting Fátima, Portugal: What you need to know
- Visit or stay at Aldeia da Mata Pequena in Portugal’s stunning countryside
- Stunning nature at Berlengas, Portugal + 8 things to do
- Celebrate the amazing Carnaval Torres Vedras in Portugal
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