Photography: ARR
For the 20th anniversary of the New 7 Wonders of Portugal competition, the Tapada Nacional de Mafra and Mafra’s National Palace made it to the second phase and are now among the regional finalists.
In this year’s competition a total of 629 heritage sites from across the country took part. The Tapada Nacional is officially one of 147 finalists. Competing in the Tourism category it’s described as “a unique testimony to the relationship between humankind and nature.”
Tapada and National Palace still in the running
As a sanctuary of biodiversity, protecting countless species and offering stunning landscapes throughout the year, the Tapada (together with its centuries-old history) has been recognised as an important contribution to the region’s cultural and natural heritage.
In the History category, Mafra has another contender in the race with its National Palace. Votes can also be cast for the Baroque monument with its gardens and the hunting reserve.
Having passed the first major qualification stage, several rounds still remain. The next phase for the Lisbon region is on the 4th of July, as each of the country’s seven regions will host a Regional Semifinal and a Regional Final.
Votes can be cast by phone or via the TVI Pass app, with each vote costing €1 + VAT. At the end of this phase, 98 heritage sites will be selected and a National Semifinal will follow. The Grand Final takes place on September 12.
