DISTRICT OF LISBON (LISBOA): MAFRA (PORTUGAL)

MAFRA

N 38º 56` 13`` ; W 9º 19` 39"

Mafra is a city and a municipality in the district of Lisbon, on the west coast of Portugal, and part of the urban agglomeration of the Greater Lisbon subregion. The population in 2011 was 76,685, in an area of 291.66 km2. The municipality is bordered on the north by Torres Vedras, on the northeast by Sobral de Monte Agraço, on the east by Arruda dos Vinhos, on the southeast by Loures, on the south by Sintra and on the west by a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. Despite being one of the largest municipalities in the region, Mafra represents only 3% of the population of the metropolitan area, and its population density (243 inhabitants / km2) is more similar to that of the western municipalities, being well below the metropolitan average.

It is mostly known for the sumptuous Mafra National Palace inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the baroque style, the Mafra National Palace also inspired Portuguese Nobel Prize laureate José Saramago to write his novel Baltasar and Blimunda (Memorial do Convento). Other points of interest around the municipality include the Tapada Nacional de Mafra, an enclosed wildlife and game reserve, and Ericeira's World Surf Reserve, the second in the world.

During the French invasion of Portugal in 1807, Napoleon made the Mafra Palace headquarters and garrison. Part of the army headed for Peniche and Torres Vedras under orders from General Luison, the remaining forces garrisoned in the Palace and Convent, while the executive staff requisitioned homes in the village. This lasted nine months, until 2 September 1807, when British forces were able to extricate the French from their positions. Meanwhile, Portuguese engineers, allied to British forces constructed a system of fortresses north of Lisbon, to secure the defense of the capital and expel the French. The Lines of Torres Vedras, as they were known, passed through the municipality of Mafra, and were constructed in 1809 and 1810.

Climate

The climate of the municipality of Mafra, under the strong oceanic influence, is moderately rainy and has significant territorial variability due to the relief and the relative distance to the ocean. In general, it presents low thermal amplitudes (both daily and annual), with mild minimum temperatures during the coldest months and a cool and windy summer during which there is a tendency for the formation of fog. The annual average temperature is around 15ºC, one of the lowest in the metropolitan area. The thermal amplitude and the minimum and maximum absolute temperatures are lower on the coast than in the interior. The annual average values of precipitation vary from 500 to 700 mm, spread over 75 to 100 days of rain per year, which vary according to the proximity to the coast and the altitude. The distribution of months in relation to the rainfall regime reveals a wet semester (October to March) and a dry semester (April to September). These values are conditioned by the Serra de Sintra, where it exceeds 1,000 mm of precipitation, spread over 110 days of the year. Air humidity remains high throughout the year, but especially during summer and along the coast. The annual value of relative humidity in the municipality is around 80%.In the metropolitan area, the northwest winds predominate, coming from the coastal zone and dragging with them, throughout the year, moist air, which causes morning fogs. The prevailing winds in Mafra are from the north and northwest, with moderate speed (an average of 16.6 km / h). In the transition between seasons, it is common for stronger southwest winds to blow. Insolation has the lowest values in December and January (130 to 140 hours), and the highest in July (280 to 300 hours). These values are lower in coastal areas, due to cloudiness.

(To go to Mafra and Ericeira, from Lisbon - At underground station "Campo Grande" there are 2 bus companies.)

LISBON TO MAFRA BY BUS:

Coach travel is the best option for public transport as there is no suitable rail route to reach Mafra and coach travel in Portugal is inexpensive and reliable. The bus service is operated by the small bus company Mafrense and departs from Campo Grande bus station.

This bus station is part of the larger Campo Grande metro station which is on both the yellow and green lines. The beach resort of Ericeira is the final stop for the bus which serves Mafra and all buses will be marked with Ericeira via Mafra. Campo Grande bus station is poorly signed but the two services to Mafra depart from stands 4 and 5.

There are two services, the express service (40 minutes) and the slower service 90 minutes. The tickets are purchased from the drive as you board the bus so there is no means to reserve a seat. Ensure you have a small change for the bus ticket as bus drivers do not like large notes. There is typically one service an hour with the first at 7:00 and last at 22:00 - check the timetable for the exact time. The bus stops in front of the main entrance to the Mafra National Palace and this is also the location for the return service.

HOW TO GET THERE
BY BUS

More than 50,000 workers and artists worked for 13 years to build the greatest work of the Baroque in Portugal. Its dimensions are staggering. Its impressive and sublime library has over 35,000 volumes. It is one of the largest in the world. This huge monument of the eighteenth century by King ordered the construction John V, is considered a recommended visit. Note that one of the parties is closed for an hour for the lunch period of employees. Ask when you get to avoid you to lose one part of the visit.

Palácio Nacional de Mafra

Terreiro D. João V

2640 Mafra

Tel: (+351) 261 817 550

Fax: (+351) 261 811 947

GPS N 38º 56` 13`` ; W 9º 19` 39"

Built-in the 18th century by order of King João V (1689-1750) in fulfillment of a vow he made, to be blessed with an heir from his marriage to Maria Ana of Austria, or be cured of a serious illness, the Royal Convent and Palace of Mafra is the most important baroque monument in Portugal. All in limestone and marble from this region (Pêro Pinheiro and Sintra), the building covers an area of almost four hectares (37.790 m2), including 1.200 rooms, more than 4.700 doors, and windows, 156 stairways, and 29 inner yards and courtyards. Such magnificence was only possible due to the Brazilian gold that poured into the country, allowing the King to carry out his patronage of the arts and the strengthening of royal authority.

Parking: Outside, north and south of the monument

TAPADA DE MAFRA

The Tapada Nacional de Mafra was created in Mafra, Portugal, during the reign of king João V, following the building of the Mafra National Palace, as a park for royal and court recreation.

Covering over 8 square kilometres, the park holds different species of deer, wild boar, foxes, birds of prey, and many others coexisting in an unusually rich and diversified natural habitat. A favorite of the Portuguese monarchy for hunting and other leisure pursuits, the Tapada de Mafra took on a noble connotation that has done much to aid its preservation and continuity.

Its natural heritage ensures it is an excellent location for fun environmental awareness and education programs. The Tapada is also open for walking, mountain biking, horse riding, archery, and crossbow shooting activities.