Mafra Palace Library
Fee required
At night, bats patrol this magnificent 18th-century space in search of book-eating pests.

📜 Magnificent 18th-century Rococo library within the Royal Building of Mafra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Houses 36,000 leather-bound volumes, uniquely protected from pests by a colony of bats.

Why Go

🦇 Witness the fascinating nocturnal bat colony protecting ancient books
📚 Explore a collection of 36,000 leather-bound volumes from the 14th to 19th centuries
🏛️ Admire the grand Rococo design, ornate ceilings, and marble floors
👑 Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing Portugal's golden age

Why Avoid

🚫 Bats are only active at night, so visitors during opening hours are unlikely to see them
📝 Researchers and scholars require a previous appointment for access to the collection

Cost

💰 Entrance to the Palace of Mafra is €6 for adults, children under 12 free.

Hours

🕒 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Last updated 1 day ago

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