Mafra Palace-Background
Palaēio Nacional e Convento de Mafra, Terreiro Dom Joćo, Mafra 2640-492
Phone: +351 261 817 550 - Fax: +351 261 811 947
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The Mafra Palace and Convent was built by King Joćo V in fulfilment of a vow to build a monastery for a small number of Franciscan friars, if he fathered an heir. The birth of a daughter led to the construction of Portugals largest religious monument which started in 1717. Fuelled by the vast wealth of Brazilian gold, the eventual complex housed 330 friars and a 666 room palace and the workforce peaked at 52,000. The inauguration took place on the kings 41st birthday in 1730, but work continued until the 1755 earthquake. The main architect was Joćo Frederico Ludovice (1650-1752).
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