Jardim do Cerco

About

It is the Baroque garden par excellence and a must stop for anyone visiting Mafra. Jardim do Cerco is an illuminated work, maintained in detail and detail for the population and visitors. Water mirrors, wide paths, leafy trees and a century-old daughter-in-law still in operation are some of the attractions of this garden inspired by Versailles. This place is the perfect transition between the walled vastness of Tapada Real and the monumentality of the National Palace of Mafra, which stands on one of its flanks. The forest and gardens extend over eight hectares, with offers of nooks, shadows, waterfalls or even a peculiar garden: Horta dos Frades, where the plants used in medicinal products (pharmacy) are in sight when they were built. , ordered by D. João V. In Jardim do Cerco there is a space called Horto das Aromáticas , which features around 39 species of plants used for medicinal and seasoning purposes. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes