Portuguese town hails UNESCO heritage bid with unique concert

For the first time in living memory, a concert featuring a unique set of six organs was performed at a giant convent in Mafra, Portugal. Concert organizers hope the event will launch Mafra's bid to become a UNESCO World Heritage site.

All six organs at Mafra were played together in the magnificent setting of one of Portugal's grandest churches, whose interior is lined with red, black, blue, yellow and rose marble. It is considered one of Europe's greatest architectural treasures. Built over two decades until 1735, this royal folly was paid for by the gold then flooding in from Brazil. Even so, the cost hastened Portugal's financial ruin just decades later.

Although Mafra draws many tourists, it is an example of the challenges faced by western Europe's poorest country in maintaining its heritage. The organs took decades to renovate and required both public and private money. If the UNESCO bid is to be credible, work is still needed on two carillons in the towers.

Author: Alison Roberts
Editor: Kate Bowen