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Built by command of Dom John V, the Mafra Convent is the most important monument of the Portuguese Baroque. The architectural ensemble develops symmetrically from a central axis, the Basilica, acting as the central point of a lengthy façade flanked by two turrets; at the rear of the Basilica, the monastery of the Ordem de São Francisco da Província da Arrábida (the Franciscan monks of Arrábida Order) stands. A German goldsmith, João Frederico Ludovice, who studied architecture in Italy, was commissioned to lead the works. He adopted a classical Baroque model, inspired by the papal Rome, showing the influence of Bernini and Borromini elements, namely in the towers, and also some German flavour. The works started in 1717, when the first stone was laid and, on October 22nd, 1730, the king's 41st birthday, the Basilica was solemnly consecrated.