Dom John V, known as the Magnanimous and the Portuguese Sun King, was King of Portugal from 9 December 1706 until his death in 1750. His reign saw the rise of Portugal and its monarchy to new levels of prosperity, wealth, and prestige among European courts.
Portrait by Jean Ranc, c. 1729
John c. 1706, aged around 17
Portrait of King Dom John V in 1707, aged 18
Diogo de Mendonça Corte-Real, Secretary of State of the Kingdom
The Palace of Mafra, also known as the Palace-Convent of Mafra and the Royal Building of Mafra, is a monumental Baroque and Neoclassical palace-monastery located in Mafra, Portugal, some 28 kilometres from Lisbon. Construction began in 1717 under King John V of Portugal and was completely concluded in 1755.
Main façade of the palace
Scale model of the Royal Building of Mafra in the palace museum.
Floorplan of the palatial complex.
King John V of Portugal, constructor of the palace.