Mafa Palace and Bragaâs Sanctuary âBom Jesusâ have been voted UNESCO World Heritage sites.
There are those who say both should have been recognised years ago.
But now that they have, everyone is delighted – not least President of the republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa says the news is âmotive for great rejoicing by all Portugueseâ.
The addition of the two national monuments brings the number with world heritage status in Portugal to 17. The others being, in order of selection: the historical centre of Angra do HeroĂsmo (in the Azores), Batalha Monastery, Christâs Convent in Tomar (all in 1983); the historical centre of Ăvora (1986); Alcobaça Monastery (1989); Sintra (1995); the historical centre of Porto (1996); the prehistoric cave art of Vale do Rio Coa (1998); Madeiraâs Laurel forest (1999); the historical centre of GuimarĂŁes and the Alto Douro wine region (both in 2001); the wine region of Ilha do Pico (also Azores, in 2004); Elvas fortress (2012) and the University of Coimbra (2013).
Will the new recognition change anything? Mafra is already exceptionally popular with tourists as well as Portuguese culture buffs, particularly as there are so many sections of the palace to see and enjoy – not least the cathedral which holds recitals involving the seven organs in place every month, or the enormous library of ancient books where âbookwormsâ are consumed by legions of bats.
For the Bom JoĂŁo Sanctuary, known for its extraordinary Baroque stairway that climbs 116 feet, Braga mayor Ricardo Rio says the new classification brings with it âhuge responsibility to ensure the place remains worthy of its distinctionâ.
Tweeted prime minister AntĂłnio Costa the news is âanother reason for pride in Portugal. Congratulations to all those who contributed to this recognitionâ.
