Junta de Turismo da Ericeira

The ancient settlement of Mafra was liberated from the Arabian occupation in 1147 and received its first royal charter in 1189. The town is

is composed of two parts: the "vila velha" (old town), where the former castle was located and the "vila nova" (new town), which grew around the majestic monastery/palace. The former castle was possibly built the small gothic church of Santo André is found today. During the first half of the 18th century the construction of the monastery/palace stimulated the life of the settlement as, for many years, some thousands of craftsmen worked in Mafra. Today, tourism is creating a new stimulus.