Mafra

Mafra is a town and municipality in the Lisbon District of Portugal, located in the western part of the country about 40 kilometers northwest of Lisbon. It lies near the Atlantic coast and includes the coastal town of Ericeira, a popular surfing destination. The municipality is part of the Oeste region and consists of several civil parishes, with Mafra town serving as the administrative center.

The area is best known for the Mafra National Palace (Palácio Nacional de Mafra), a monumental Baroque and neoclassical palace-convent built in the 18th century under King John V. Construction began in 1717 and extended over many years. The complex includes a royal palace, a monastery and church, as well as a vast library that was among the largest in Portugal at the time. The palace is a major architectural landmark and a focal point of the region’s cultural heritage.

Beyond the palace, Mafra features the Tapada Nacional de Mafra, a historic forest and wildlife reserve established to support the royal residence. The surrounding area combines tourism with traditional economic activities such as fishing, agriculture and forestry, including cork and timber production.

Governance is regional and municipal, with the council and parish assemblies managing local affairs. Mafra is connected by roads and bus services to Lisbon and neighboring towns; Ericeira contributes to the region’s tourism and economic profile. The climate is Mediterranean, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.