The library houses a colony of bats that protect the books by consuming insects that feed on paper and binding adhesives.
The library floor is paved with rose-colored marble from Pêro Pinheiro.
The palace was built using stone quarried from local sites, much of it transported by oxen-drawn carts.
The two carillons were cast in Antwerp and are tuned to play in harmony with one another.
The Basilica's marble was sourced from various locations across Portugal, including Sintra and Arronches.
The floorplan is strictly symmetrical, with the basilica located at the geometric center of the complex.
The site contains 1,200 rooms, over 4,700 doors and windows, and 156 staircases.
The library is one of the few in the world that allows books to be protected by natural nocturnal predators (bats) instead of chemicals.
The Mafra National Palace is a massive 18th-century Baroque complex encompassing a royal palace, a basilica, and a monumental library. Constructed by King João V to fulfill a vow, the site spans approximately 40,000 square meters. The central basilica features six historic pipe organs built by Joaquim António Peres Fontanes. The library is renowned for its collection of over 30,000 leather-bound volumes dating from the 14th to the 19th century. The complex includes two carillons containing 98 bells, considered the largest collection in the world. Architectural highlights include the Marble Hall and the King's Hunting Room. The site served as a symbolic manifestation of the absolute monarchy's wealth, funded by gold from the colony of Brazil. It functioned as both a royal residence and a convent for 300 Franciscan friars.
The central landing looking toward the library entrance or the symmetrical facade from the main courtyard.
Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes as the stone corridors and vast interior spaces require significant walking.
Allocate extra time to appreciate the detail in the library, which is the highlight of the tour.
Carry a light sweater, as the thick stone walls keep the interior significantly cooler than the exterior temperature.
Trying to see the entire complex in under two hours, as the vast scale makes it impossible to appreciate without rushing.
Closed on Tuesdays.
Maintain silence in the library and basilica; flash photography is prohibited in rooms containing original manuscripts.
