The Mafta National Palace - example of glorious baroque architecture

A  20 minute drive north of Sintra, is the city of Mafra.  Regrettfully, in past decades, town planners were too lenient and many interesting  buildings have been replaced with non-descript blocks of apartments.  But the magnificent Mafra National Palace is truely worth seeing.  This immense structure with its 1200 rooms and reknown library covers 38 000 square meters.  We spent an entire afternoon exploring, mesmerized by  its vast beauty.  It is one of the most important well preserved examples of late Baroque architecture in Europe and the most outstanding tribute to Baroque in Portugal.  It encompasses the Palace, a  grand basilica, which posseses a rare set of  six pipe organs, and a franciscan monastary.  The first Portuguese  fine arts school was established here because King Joao V, who commissioned this magnificant structure, wanted talented Portuguese artists and artisans creating the adornaments.   The palace is open daily, except Tuesdays, from 9 to 5.
Colina flora, eco-guesthouse www.colinaflora.com , is perfectly located for visiting  Mafra palace and all the other  historic jewels found nearby.   We will gladly help you design a walking/hiking vacation which includes visiting the most beautiful historic sites.