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Mafra |
National Hunting Reserve (13 kms from Ericeira)
The Royal Hunting Reserve of Mafra was created by king João V as a leisure park for the royal family, between 1744 and 1748: with an extension of 819 hectares (2050 acres), it is encircled by a 12-kilometre long wall (eight miles); it was the ideal space for the Court to hunt, with woods occupying almost all the area.
Between 1840 and 1859, king Fernando installed in the same grounds the Mafra Horse Breeding Farm, where the royal horses were bred. |
At the time of king Luís and king Carlos, the estate lived its golden period as a hunting reserve.
With the proclamation of the Republic, its name was changed to National Hunting Reserve.
It was open to the public in 1975, and has passed through some hard times, namely with the great bush fires of 1981 and 2004.
The park displays a rich flora, with pines, oaks, planetrees and willows, among many others, and fauna: deer, wild boars, foxes, wolves, eagles, owls, etc.
The park now lodges the Hunting Museum, with embalmed animals and old weapons, and the Animal Traction Museum, with specimens dating from the 19th century.
Visitors can choose between several activities, from a simple stroll to a trip in the articulated train which allows the observation of wild animals, and also programs of hunting, crossbow shooting and bird-watching.
Guided visits without booking: weekends and holidays, 10.15 am to 3 pm.
Guided visits with booking: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 2 pm.
Pedestrian walks: every day, 10 am to 2 pm.
Horse and bycicle rides: every day, 10 am to 2 pm (the Park does not providse the horses or bycicles).lks i |
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