Palácio Nacional de Mafra
Magnificent Baroque complex of palace, basilica and convent, commissioned by King João V, with a Rococo library and historic carillons.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Palácio Nacional de Mafra came about from a vow made by King João V in connection with the succession to the crown. The first stone was laid on 17 November 1717 and the basilica was consecrated on 22 October 1730. The design is based on drawings by Filippo Juvarra, completed by João Frederico Ludovice, and the works were directed by Custódio Vieira.
The complex brings together a palace, basilica and convent, with about 1,200 rooms, more than 5,000 doors and windows and 156 staircases, together with the Cerco garden and the Tapada, a walled forest of more than 1,200 hectares. The basilica, inspired by the great Roman churches, has 58 marble statues, and the six organs built between 1792 and 1807 are considered unique.
The library holds about 30,000 volumes and is one of the most emblematic spaces of the monument. The two carillons, with 120 bells in total, are among the largest of the 18th century. The palace has been a member of the Association of European Royal Residences since 2009 and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019.
Highlights
- Basilica with 58 marble statues and six historic organs
- Library with about 30,000 volumes
- Two carillons with 120 bells
- Palace with about 1,200 rooms
- Núcleo de Arte Sacra (sacred art collection)
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019
- Operated by
- Museus e Monumentos de Portugal
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €15 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7.50Visitors aged 65 or over, young people aged 13 to 24 and families (at least one adult and one child); 50% discount on the standard ticket. |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 12 · Free admission up to and including age 12. |
| Seniors | €7.50From age 65. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission with a proven disability of more than 60%. |
| Students & apprentices | €7.50Young people aged 13 to 24. |
| Groups | –Discounts on the normal price: 7.5% for more than 250 tickets, 10% for more than 500 and 15% for more than 1,000. Groups of more than 50 people require prior booking; maximum of 50 people with audio guides or 30 without audio guides. |
| Families | €7.50At least one adult and one child; 50% discount. |
Free admission: Citizens and residents of Portugal with a Cartão de Cidadão have free admission to 37 museums, monuments and palaces on 52 days a year, on any day of the week.
Free admission is also available to, among others, unemployed EU residents, former combatants, museum and heritage professionals on duty, students and teachers on documented study visits (with prior authorisation), and members of ICOM, ICOMOS and APOM. Discounts cannot be combined and do not apply outside normal opening hours.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Some spaces are reached by stairs; it is advisable to contact the palace before your visit.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
A map of nearby parking is available on the palace's “How to get here” page.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop open from 09:30 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 17:00.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
