Mafra

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Mafra (mä´frə), town (1991 est. pop. 9,800), Lisboa dist., W central Portugal, in Estremadura. It is noted for its huge 18th-century palace and monastery, built by John V in imitation of Spain's Escorial. Rectangular in shape, the edifice is surmounted by two towers and by a central dome. It contains a church, a fine library, and extensive royal quarters.