Mafra, Sobreiro, Eriseira
Description:
The palace and monastery complex of Mafra began to be built in 1717 by King João V of Portugal on income from the sale of wealth coming from Brazil. Grand monument in the Baroque style, has an area of about 4 hectares. In the monastery, designed for 330 monks, there were hospital and pharmacy buildings. There are not enough words to describe the beauty and grandeur of the basilica. You have to look at it with your own eyes. Nowhere else in the world do you find 6 organs playing together.
The Basilica of Mafra National Palace boasts the largest number of bells in the world with a total of 98. You will hear the legend of how the craftsmen of Antwerp asked for an advance payment for the lowing of bells and why the king paid double the sum. Through the endless corridors you will reach the highlight of this palace - the library. About 36,000 volumes of domestic and foreign works are collected here. Jose Saramago, Nobel Prize winner in literature, writes the work “Memory of the Monastery”, the actions of which unfolded against the background of the construction of this complex.
We will move to Sobreyra, a town-museum called Jose Franko Village. Typical for the beginning of the last century, the village was founded by a potter, a master of clay and a master of life, as it is written on his monument. I'll take you to a silpo, to an elementary school class, to a tiny church, and to the workshops of a blacksmith, apothecary and watchmaker. The most inquisitive will visit the mill from the inside of the village house. And we will try the freshest bread, which is baked with homemade sausage, and drink it with local wine. There is also a shop with ceramic dishes and beautiful handmade souvenirs.
Eriseira is a traditional fishing place, which was chosen by surfers. People come here to try the culinary features of the region - various dishes from seafood and fresh fish.
Eriseira is classified as the first surf nature reserve in Europe! To a large extent, this place began to develop during the XX century, thanks to the increasing demand as a recreation area, while retaining its original features and unique atmosphere. The local beaches are very crowded during the summer, being recognized as the best for surfing at European level.