The Palacio Nacional da Mafra dominates the town and from anywhere you will see the towers, the dome, or the front facade. The town grew around it. There is a huge square in the front of the palace, giving it the distance and space to appreciate the size, grandeur, and magnificence of the palace. I was awestruck!
The monument comprises of the Royal Palace, the Basilica, and the Convent / Monastery. it is 3 in 1. I have too many photographs to fit into one post, so this post gives details of the outside and some info. The next post shows the interiors.
- The construction began in 1717 and completed in 1750
- The architect was Mr. Johann Friedrich Ludwig, a German master goldsmith, who trained as architect in Italy
- Built with local marble of different shades
- In the style of Baroque and Italianised neo classical architecture
- The palace complex occupies a vast area of 37,790 sq.m.
- comprising of 12000 rooms
- The library consists of 40000 rare books
- It was a modest project to begin with. As the gold started pouring in from Brazil, the complex enlarged to a magnificent edifice
- Mafra palace was residence to the kings while hunting in the game preserve of Tapada Nacional de Mafra
- The length of front facade is 220m.
- The facade is built with limestone and the Basilica in white marble
- Monastery part of the complex is used by the military
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