Located near Lisbon, Portugal, the Royal Building of Mafra was conceived by King Joao V in 1711 as a tangible representation of his conception of the monarchy and the State. The property, a quadrangular building, houses the king’s and queen’s palaces, the royal chapel, a Franciscan monastery and a library. The Cerco garden with its geometric layout, and the Tapada, the royal hunting park, complete the complex. The property bears witness to the power and reach of the mighty Portuguese empire.
This vast complex, largely built of Lioz stone, is among the most sumptuous Baroque buildings in Portugal and at 40,000 m², one of the largest royal palaces. Designed by the German architect João Frederico Ludovice, the palace was built symmetrically from a central axis, occupied by the basilica, and continues lengthwise through the main façade until two major towers. The structures of the convent are located behind the main façade. The building also includes a major library, with about 30,000 rare books. The basilica is decorated with several Italian statues and includes six historical pipe organs[6] and two carillons, composed of 98 bells.
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