Galeria Municipal Orlando Morais, Mafra

“Mateus Álvares, known as the Hermit of Ericeira (Mafra) was a monk who fled the Convent of Santa Cruz to live in a cave. Resembling D. Sebastião, he claimed the Portuguese throne pretending to be the Portuguese king returned and gathered a sizable following. Eventually captured, he was executed by the Spanish who rule the country at that time. His brief reign left a lasting impact on the people’s spirit, Mafra thus gaining an important place in Sebastianism.”