Historical monuments and sustainability

ACTIVITIES

Statue of Heroes - Hungary

Rotonda - Greece

Mafra- Portugal

The Convento de Mafra, also known as the Royal Convent of Mafra, is a monumental building located in Mafra, Portugal. It was built in the early 18th century, during the reign of King John V, as a fulfillment of a vow he made to build a convent if his wife, Queen Maria Ana of Austria, gave him an heir.

Construction began in 1717 and took 13 years to complete, involving over 50,000 workers, including craftsmen and artisans from all over Portugal. The building is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and is considered one of the most important monuments in Portugal.

The convent was designed by Italian architect Johann Friedrich Ludwig and is built in the shape of a cross. It has 880 rooms, including the Basilica of Our Lady and St. Anthony, which is adorned with marble and gold leaf. The convent also has a library that contains over 40,000 books, including several rare manuscripts.

In addition to its architectural and artistic significance, the convent has played an important role in Portuguese history. During the 19th century, it served as a military barracks and hospital, and in the 20th century, it was used as a refugee camp and a center for displaced persons during World War II.

Its history was beautifully portrayed by José Saramago in Memorial do Convento.

Today, the Convento de Mafra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to the public as a museum and cultural center. It continues to be a symbol of Portugal's rich cultural and historical heritage.

Sustainability Mafra- Portugal

Implement a green energy system.
Use energy-efficient lighting and appliances .
Install a rainwater harvesting system to collect and reuse rainwater for irrigation, cleaning, and other non- potable uses.
Implement a waste reduction program, including recycling and composting, to reduce the amount of waste generated by the building.
Use environmentally friendly cleaning products and methods to maintain the building without causing harm to the environment.
Install insulation and other energy- efficient materials to improve the building's thermal performance and reduce heating and cooling costs.
Implement a water conservation program, including low-flow fixtures and leak detection, to reduce water consumption and costs.
Educate visitors and staff about sustainable practices and encourage them to adopt sustainable behaviors while on the premises.

Each country adopts a monument from another country and proposes sustainability solutions