About the National Palace of Mafra
The imposing National Palace of Mafra, one of the architectural jewels of Portugal, dominates the central space of the village of Mafra. Its two towers symbolize the power and majesty of the Portuguese monarchy: the North Tower, reserved for the King, and the South Tower, for the Queen. These towers are connected by a magnificent 232-meter-long gallery—the longest palatial corridor in Europe—where, in the 18th century, the court strolled amid royal audiences, displays of jewels, luxurious dresses, and, of course, the intrigues simmering behind the scenes.
In the Palace, the King and Queen lived in completely separate wings. Each tower had its own functional structure, with kitchens located in the cellars, pantries and storage rooms on the ground floor, chambers for attendants or ladies-in-waiting on the first floor, the royal quarters on the noble floor, and servants accommodated in the attics. This arrangement reflected not only the grandeur of the space but also the strict norms and customs of the era.
A Bit of History
The initial decoration of the Palace was a reflection of its magnificence: Flemish tapestries, Oriental rugs, and furniture exclusively commissioned for its halls. However, significant changes occurred during the reign of King João VI, who initiated a mural decoration campaign under the direction of Cyrillo Volkmar Machado. In 1807, during the Royal Family’s flight to Brazil due to the Napoleonic invasions, many tapestries, paintings, and furniture pieces were taken across the Atlantic, where they ultimately remained.
The royal children also had their own dedicated spaces. A small palace at the northeast end of the building was reserved for the princes, while the princesses occupied the southeast side. After the death of King Ferdinand II, husband of Queen Maria II, the dynamics of the Palace changed significantly. The Royal Family began residing only in the South Tower and its adjoining wing, while the rest of the building was reserved for hosting distinguished guests. During this period, some decorative interventions were carried out, particularly for significant events such as the marriage of King Pedro V and Stephanie of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen.
At the end of the Portuguese monarchy, the National Palace of Mafra witnessed a historic moment: the last King of Portugal, Manuel II, spent his final night in the country there, from October 4 to 5, 1910, before departing for exile in England.
A Living Heritage
Today, the National Palace of Mafra stands as a testament to an era of splendor and transformation, preserving within its walls echoes of stories, traditions, and changes that shaped the history of Portugal. Visiting this site is like embarking on a journey through time, immersing yourself in the details of an era that helped define the nation and its culture.
Interested?!
If you’re interested in learning more about the National Palace of Mafra or planning a visit, feel free to contact us! We would be delighted to help you explore this gem of Portuguese history and architecture. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a truly unique experience!
