Mafra | World Heritage | Portugal

The Convent of Mafra is the most important monument of the Portuguese Baroque, with an Italian matrix. It was designed by Johann Ludwig (trained in architecture in Italy) and built between 1717-1730. For the Royal Basilica of Mafra, King João V commissioned what will be the most significant collection of Baroque sculpture outside Italy, with a total of 58 statues.

José Saramago’s novel “Memorial do Convento” depicts the journey of these statues from the Tagus, transported by boat up the river and then by ox cart over difficult terrain to reach Mafra.

Both the Philippine dynasty (1581-1640) and the Restoration Wars (1640-1668) left Portugal in a state of profound isolation from Europe. After the Restoration there was a centralization and affirmation of Royal power, an absolutist tendency, with a reduction in the number of courts meeting.

During the reign of King João V (1706-1750), under the auspices of Brazil’s gold production, Portugal got back on its feet and sought to pursue a policy of prestige. A large part of Brazil’s gold revenues was used for major public works. Sculpture and the decorative arts were also developed at this time, through tiles and gilded woodwork. The Convent of Mafra is held up as the greatest example of this.