4.7.2 Royal Palace of Mafra
Location HERE.
The Palace, Basilica and Convent are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the largest Royal Palaces. at more than 40,000 square metres, this was the last such location in Portugal to be inhabited by the country’s now-defunct Royal family. It was from here, on 5th October 1910, that Manuel II was chauffeured to the port at nearby Ericeira, where he boarded the Royal yacht, set sail for Gibraltar, thence to England, and into exile.
Built at the order of Dom João V, the Palace took 13 years to build, and was financed mainly by the proceeds of exploiting gold and diamond reserves in what was then colonial Brazil. At one point, more than 40,000 workers were employed in its construction; 1,383 died before it was completed.
When first built, there was no town opposite the Palace; that came much later. Even with the growth of the town of Mafra, the Palace dwarfs all before it. A visit will take two to three hours to take in the sheer scale of the building, and appreciate the décor, together with items such as the Library.
Entrance to the Palace is at the left side of the building as you look from the road outside. CAUTION stone steps inside the Palace, but they are relatively shallow. Maybe best to do the upper floor first.
So how to get there? Although there is a rail station called Mafra, it is a long way from the town, and there is no connecting bus. Best, and quickest, way is to catch a Carris Metropolitana “rapid bus” from the bus station at the west side of Campo Grande metro station. So, once again, as it’s outside Zone L, you need a Navegante card loaded with credit, and used in Zapping mode.
Quickest bus is the 2803, on which the Palace is the third stop after leaving the A21 Motorway (Avenida Forças Armadas 8). The stop for returning to Campo Grande is Terreiro Dom João V (Palacio). The 2740 also serves Mafra, but makes many more stops.
Timetable for route 2803 HERE.
Timetable for route 2740 HERE.
Especially at Campo Grande, best get to the bus stand in good time, and remember that, as these “rapid buses” use the A8 and A21 Motorways, all passengers must be seated. The seating capacity of the bus is the maximum number of punters carried.
If you have a while to wait for the bus back to Campo Grande, the Pastelaria Fradinho, across the road from the Palace, is recommended. Don’t forget to take a ticket from the machine.
The Palace, Basilica and Convent are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The façade ...
Built at the order of Dom João V, the Palace took 13 years to build, and was financed mainly by the proceeds of exploiting gold and diamond reserves in what was then colonial Brazil. At one point, more than 40,000 workers were employed in its construction; 1,383 died before it was completed.
When first built, there was no town opposite the Palace; that came much later. Even with the growth of the town of Mafra, the Palace dwarfs all before it. A visit will take two to three hours to take in the sheer scale of the building, and appreciate the décor, together with items such as the Library.
... the library ...
So how to get there? Although there is a rail station called Mafra, it is a long way from the town, and there is no connecting bus. Best, and quickest, way is to catch a Carris Metropolitana “rapid bus” from the bus station at the west side of Campo Grande metro station. So, once again, as it’s outside Zone L, you need a Navegante card loaded with credit, and used in Zapping mode.
Quickest bus is the 2803, on which the Palace is the third stop after leaving the A21 Motorway (Avenida Forças Armadas 8). The stop for returning to Campo Grande is Terreiro Dom João V (Palacio). The 2740 also serves Mafra, but makes many more stops.
... and view of the town
Timetable for route 2740 HERE.
Especially at Campo Grande, best get to the bus stand in good time, and remember that, as these “rapid buses” use the A8 and A21 Motorways, all passengers must be seated. The seating capacity of the bus is the maximum number of punters carried.
If you have a while to wait for the bus back to Campo Grande, the Pastelaria Fradinho, across the road from the Palace, is recommended. Don’t forget to take a ticket from the machine.
[HOME]
Comments
Post a Comment