The Basilica of Our Lady and Saint Anthony of Mafra stands in the Palace of Mafra in Portugal. It is a Roman Catholic shrine and basilica, honored with the title of immemorial status. This title reflects its long history in Portuguese religious life, especially among the nobility. The basilica honors the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Anthony of Padua. For centuries, it has served as a key spiritual center for the royal family.
The basilica features stunning Baroque art and Christian relics. These pieces were collected by European kings and brought to Portugal. Visitors continue to come to admire the basilica’s beauty and sacred artifacts. The basilica is also home to the Royal and Venerable Confraternity of the Most Blessed Sacrament of Mafra, a group devoted to Eucharistic worship.
In 1910, the government declared the basilica a National Monument, recognizing its cultural importance. On 7 July 2019, UNESCO added the basilica to the World Heritage List, recognizing the broader significance of Mafra. In 2020, Pope Francis granted the dolorous image of the Blessed Virgin Mary the title “Our Lady of Solitude.” On 17 September 2023, Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça performed the coronation ceremony.
The Basilica of Saint Anthony in Mafra, Portugal, is easily accessible via various modes of transport, connecting it well to nearby cities and countries.
Airways The nearest major airport to Mafra is Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (also known as Lisbon Airport), located approximately 40 kilometers (about 25 miles) from the Basilica. This airport serves numerous international and domestic flights, making it a convenient entry point for travelers visiting the Basilica. Other nearby airports include Porto Airport, about 320 kilometers (199 miles) away, and Faro Airport, located around 280 kilometers (174 miles) from Mafra.
Railways
Mafra is connected to the Portuguese railway network through nearby Lisbon, where travelers can board trains to the capital from various locations. The nearest major train station to the Basilica of Saint Anthony is in Lisbon, which is around 40 kilometers (25 miles) away. From Lisbon, travelers can take a short bus or taxi ride to Mafra.
Roadways For those traveling by road, Mafra is well connected by highways and buses. The town is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Lisbon’s city center. If you're traveling by bus, the nearest bus station to the Basilica is in the town center of Mafra, which has services linking it to Lisbon and other nearby towns. The journey from Lisbon to Mafra by bus takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
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