Palace Of Mafra
Introduction to the Palace of Mafra
The Palace of Mafra is a stunning and majestic Baroque masterpiece located in the town of Mafra, approximately 28 kilometers from Lisbon, Portugal. Built by King João V in the 18th century, the palace is one of the most significant monuments in Portuguese history and an important symbol of the nation's powerful presence during the Age of Enlightenment.
It was designed by Johann Friedrich Ludwig, a German-born architect, and the construction took more than 25 years to complete. Today, the Palace of Mafra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major attraction for tourists from around the world. The palace complex includes a royal palace, a basilica, a convent, a library, and large gardens, which showcase the wealth and power of the Portuguese monarchy at its peak.
The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace of Mafra is a magnificent display of Baroque architecture, with its intricate façade, well-proportioned rooms, and lavish ornaments. The palace features over 1,200 rooms that demonstrate the opulent lifestyle of the royal court. Among these rooms, there are multiple halls, chambers, and salons, each decorated with precious furnishings, fine tapestries, and exquisite porcelain.
One of the most remarkable rooms in the palace is the Throne Room, decorated with impressive frescoes, gilt details, and a ceiling adorned with paintings of the royal court. This room, along with the Music Room, the Queen's Apartments, and the King's Apartments, demonstrate the king's passion for art, music, and literature.
The Basilica
Connected to the palace is the Basilica of Mafra, a spectacular example of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. The basilica is divided into two sections, the Jardim do Recreio, and the Jardim do Cerco, which serve as public parks and recreational areas for the people of Mafra.
The basilica boasts six elaborate organs, which make it one of the few religious buildings in the world containing such a number of instruments made by the same manufacturer. It is also home to stunning pieces of art, including the works of Francisco de Arruda Furtado, Joaquim Machado de Castro, and António Francisco Rosa. The main altarpiece, designed by Italian sculptor Alessandro Giusti, is an intricate composition of contrasting marble, representing an important period of Portuguese Baroque art.
The Convent
The Franciscan convent of Mafra has an essential role in the palace's history and significance. Housing monks of the Order of St. Francis, the convent served as a symbol of the king's commitment to the Catholic faith and a reflection of the powerful Portuguese monarchy's influence over the church.
Living quarters for the monks could house up to 300 friars, including individual cells, a large dining hall, and a chapter house. The convent also had educational and medical facilities, including a pharmacy, hospital, and a surgery room. Today, visitors can explore the convent's well-preserved rooms and admire the many frescoes, portraits, and tiles depicting religious scenes and daily life at the friary.
The Library
The Library of Mafra is one of the palace's most treasured marvels, featuring an extensive collection of more than 36,000 books and manuscripts from the 14th to the 19th centuries. The library has an exquisite design, with elegant wooden bookshelves lining the walls and a central reading table made of rosewood adorned with gilded details. The ceiling frescoes, attributed to Portuguese artist António Simões Ribeiro, depict the various motifs related to knowledge and wisdom.
Among the library's vast collection, some of the remarkable works include a copy of Luís de Camões' epic poem "Os Lusíadas," a first edition of Jean-Jacques Rousseau's "Du Contrat Social," and several illuminated manuscripts from the 16th century. The library also hosts a unique collection of chronicles and genealogies of the Portuguese royal family and nobility, offering valuable insights into the country's history and culture.
The Gardens
Surrounding the Palace of Mafra, the gardens are an essential element of the Baroque aesthetic, reflecting the grandeur, symmetry, and harmony of the palace's design. The gardens are divided into the Jardim do Recreio, which is a more formal garden, and the Jardim do Cerco, which is a larger and more natural heritage park.
The Jardim do Recreio is known for its finely trimmed box hedges, water features, and statues that reflect classical mythology themes. In contrast, the Jardim do Cerco is a more informal park, providing walkways and picnic areas for both tourists and locals to enjoy. Additionally, it hosts art events, concerts, and outdoor theater performances, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Mafra and the surrounding region.
Conclusion
The Palace of Mafra is a testament to the grandeur, power, and cultural influence of the Portuguese monarchy during the Age of Enlightenment. Its intricate Baroque architecture, extensive library, serene gardens, and rich historical background make it a fascinating destination for visitors interested in Portugal's remarkable past. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the palace continues to captivate and inspire people from around the world today.