Just 40 minutes from Lisbon is the town of Mafra. Mafra is home to the Royal Building of Mafra, an enormous complex that includes a former Convent, a Palace and a Basilica, all of which are the main attraction in Mafra.
The National Palace of Mafra was built in the 18th century by King John V’s will, who pledged he’d make a Convent in Mafra if his prayers to have an heir to the throne were answered. Since then, and until 1910, Mafra became the royals’ summer retreat, who spent time at the beach and in the Royal Hunting Grounds. Nowadays, the Royal Hunting Grounds are a protected area and are the perfect example of indigenous biodiversity. In addition, the entire complex and the Royal Hunting Grounds were listed as UNESCO sites in 2019.
In Mafra, it is also possible to visit José Franco’s town museum: a small town made of clay that depicts the local life of the region.