Mafra | World Heritage | Portugal

The Convent of Mafra is the most important monument of the Portuguese Baroque, of Italian influence. It was designed by Johann Ludwig (graduated in architecture in Italy) and built between 1717-1730. For the Royal Basilica of Mafra D. João V will order what will be the most significant collection of baroque sculpture in Italy outside of a total of 58 statues. José Saramago's novel "Memorial of the Convent" portrays the trajectory of these statues from the Tagus, transported by boats across the river trancão above and then by ox carts, through difficult terrain until reaching Mafra. Both cycles, the Philippian dynasty (1581-1640) and the Restoration Wars (1640-1668) left Portugal in a state of deep isolation from Europe. After the Restoration there was a centralization and the affirmation of the royal power, an absolutist tendency, with the reduction of the assembly of courts. During the reign of D. João V (1706-1750) under the auspices of Brazilian gold production, Portugal recovered and sought to follow a prestigious policy. Much of Brazil's gold income has been used for large public works. Sculpture and decorative arts were also developed at this time, through the tiles, and the gilded carving. Mafra Convent is named as the largest of these examples.