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MAFRA |
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| Connected by regular buses (timetables www.cats.pt ) from Sintra
train station and from Lisbon, MAFRA is dominated by one building: the
vast, newly restored, pink marble Palace-Convent (daily except Tues
10am-5pm; ¬3), built in emulation of Madrid's El Escorial in 1717 by
João V, the wealthiest and most extravagant of all Portuguese monarchs.
The convent was initially intended for just thirteen Franciscan friars,
but as more gold poured in from Brazil, João amplified it into the
world's largest basilica, two royal wings and monastic quarters for 300
monks and 150 novices. The sheer magnitude of the building is what
stands out: there are 5200 doorways, 2500 windows, and two bell towers
each containing over 50 bells. The highlight is the magnificent Rococo
library - with its chequered marble floor - rivalling that of Coimbra in
both design and grandeur. The basilica, which can be seen outside the
tour, is no less imposing, with the multicoloured marble designs of its
floor mirrored in the ceiling decoration. |
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