A Visit to Mafra National Palace, Portugal

Mafra National Palace of Portugal, located less than an hour from Lisbon, is one of the most important Portuguese baroque monuments. Despite this, it is often overlooked by those planning day trips in the area. This sprawling complex, including the Royal Palace Building, Basilica, Convent, Cerco Garden and Hunting Park make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the royal palace building, you’ll find a basilica, Franciscan monastery, and one of Europe’s finest historical libraries. Beyond the palace, enjoy short side trips to the surf beaches of Ericeira or the open-air museum village Aldeia Típica José Franco. Join us as we take a step back into the golden age of Portugal with a visit to Mafra National Palace, including top things to see, tips for your visit, and even side trips.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We recommend products we have personally used or verified. Read the full disclosure here.

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here is the best Lisbon to Mafra day tour! Find the top Mafra hotels!

Save this for later!

---

Why Visit Mafra National Palace, Portugal?

King João V commissioned the palace in 1717 after making a vow upon the birth of his heir. Mafra National Palace was designed to rival Europe’s greatest palaces, with its construction fueled by Brazil’s gold rush. The resulting sprawling complex (more than 4 square kilometers) is a testament to the height of Portugal’s imperial ambitions. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its exceptional baroque and neoclassical architecture. This trip takes you less than an hour outside Lisbon but feels worlds away. In addition to Mafra National Palace, don’t miss side trips to Aldeia Típica José Franco and Ericeira (see optional stops below).

Mafra National Palace Tips

• Opening Hours: The palace is typically open Tuesdays to Sundays, and is closed Mondays and public holidays. Check online for current hours.
• How Long Does It Take to Explore the Palace? We’d recommend a minimum of 1.5-2 hours.
• Tickets: Around €15. Guided tours are available. Discounted tickets are available for seniors, children, Portuguese residents. See more information on the palace website.

How to Get from Lisbon to Mafra National Palace

Lisbon to Mafra by car	The most convenient way to reach Mafra is by car, whether your own or on a tour. It’s a 40-minute drive (approximately 40 km) north. There are large paid parking lots available next to the palace.
Lisbon to Mafra by bus	Take a bus from Lisbon’s Campo Grande station directly to Mafra. The journey takes about 50 minutes, and buses run frequently throughout the day.

---

---

Top Tour from Lisbon to Mafra National Palace

What to See at Mafra National Palace

If you’ve visited Peña Palace in Sintra or Queluz Palace near Lisbon, you’ll find Mafra National Palace to be much, much larger. Though there are 1200 rooms, only a portion of them can be visited. Some of the top things to see include:

1. The Royal Apartments

Explore the extensive and lavishly decorated rooms once occupied by the Portuguese royal family. Each chamber is filled with 18th- and 19th-century furnishings, paintings, and royal portraits that reflect the changing tastes and politics of the monarchy. Be sure to read the signs or take a tour to learn more about the history of the royal family.

2. The Basilica

The Italian-inspired basilica sits at the heart of the palace, with a white and pink marble interior and 6 organs. In addition, the Mafra National Palace’s basilica had an incredible 92 original carillon bells, which has now expanded into an even larger collection (the largest in the world). Don’t miss seeing the impressive dome and twin bell towers.

Note that the Basilica is currently closed to the public due to renovation. You can view the basilica through windows on the 2nd floor of the palace.

3. The Library

One of our favorite parts of the palace and possibly the most breathtaking is the rococo-style Library of Mafra. It’s home to more than 36,000 rare volumes, including 15th-century manuscripts and early scientific texts.

One interesting feature is that it is protected by a colony of bats that eat insects to preserve the books. They are nocturnal, so it is unlikely that you’ll see them during your visit.

4. The Franciscan Monastery (Convent)

The convent, or Franciscan monastery, is a simpler and more contemplative area of the palace. This contrasts beautifully with the opulence of the palace. and gives insight into the religious life that once animated this complex. While the convent was only intended to host 13 monks initially, it expanded to hosting close to 300 monks.

5. Explore the Palace Grounds

After your indoor tour, don’t miss walking the quiet Cerco Garden, an 18th-century walled baroque garden. This was designed for peaceful, meditative strolls. For a deeper nature experience, head just outside of town to the Tapada Nacional de Mafra. This former royal hunting preserve is a great spot to hike, bike, or spot animals such as deer, wild boar, and fox.

---

Optional Stop 1: Aldeia Típica José Franco

Just 10 minutes from Mafra, stop at Aldeia Típica José Franco, an open-air museum village created by artisan José Franco. It’s a delightful miniature re-creation of a traditional Portuguese village from the early 20th century. Here you’ll wander around, spotting windmills, cobblers, bakeries, and even school rooms. Kids and adults love it, and it makes a quick, free, and enriching stop either before or after the palace.

Pro tip: If you are traveling by bus, get off at the Sobreiro stop and walk a few minutes to the Aldeia. If driving, there is easy parking on the side street in front of the Aldeia.

Optional Stop 2: Ericeira‘s Coastal Charm

If time allows, combine your visit to Mafra with a few afternoon hours in Ericeira, just 15 minutes away by car. This charming seaside town is known for its surf scene, cobblestone streets, and excellent seafood restaurants. The town’s laid-back vibe and stunning ocean views make it an ideal spot to spend the afternoon and take in the sunset. Take a surf lesson, relax at the beach, or simply wander the cobblestone streets, admiring the whitewashed houses, and shopping for local crafts. Don’t miss the viewpoints at Praia dos Pescadores and Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas.

Schedule your surf lesson below:

---

Stay the Night at Vila Galé Ericeira

If you want to extend your trip, spend the night at the Vila Galé Ericeira, a hotel right on the beach with breathtaking views of the Atlantic and incredible sunset views. The hotel offers a relaxing pool, spa services, and comfortable rooms, making it an excellent base to soak up the town’s coastal charm.

---

Final Thoughts on Mafra National Palace Portugal

A visit to the Mafra National Palace, Portugal, is a must for those interested in architecture and royal history. Enjoy the lack of crowds while exploring this extensive monument. Whether you spend the whole day exploring its vast halls or combine it with a coastal visit to Ericeira, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve taken a deep dive into Portugal’s storied past.

If you enjoyed this post, pin it for later!