Gliding through time. That’s the feeling you get standing before the National Coach Museum in Lisbon. This isn’t just a museum. It’s a portal to another era. A place where history rides on gilded wheels.
The National Coach Museum boasts one of the world’s finest collections of historical carriages. It’s housed in a building with a rich history itself. Once the Royal Riding Hall of Belém it was built after 1787. Italian architect Giacomo Azzolini designed it in the Neoclassical style. Portuguese artists adorned the interior with breathtaking paintings and azulejo panels. Imagine the royal family watching horse-riding exhibitions from its balconies.
Queen Amélia created the museum in 1905. She wanted to preserve the Portuguese royal family’s extensive carriage collection. The collection showcases carriages from the 16th through the 19th centuries. There are carriages from Italy Portugal France Spain Austria and England. It’s a truly international display of craftsmanship.
One of the museum’s treasures is a travelling coach. King Philip II of Portugal used it to travel from Spain to Portugal in 1619. There are also several Baroque 18th-century carriages. They’re decorated with ornate paintings and gold woodwork. A ceremonial coach Pope Clement XI gifted to King John V in 1715 is particularly impressive. The three coaches of the Portuguese ambassador to Pope Clement XI built in Rome in 1716 are equally stunning.
In 2015 the museum moved to a new building. The original building remains. It still houses six coaches and other exhibits. You can visit both locations for a complete experience. The new museum building is a work of art in itself. Designed by Brazilian architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha it seamlessly blends modern design with the historical significance of the collection.
The National Coach Museum isn’t just about the coaches themselves. It tells a story of power elegance and international relations. Each carriage whispers tales of royal processions diplomatic missions and the evolution of transport. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Lisbon. It’s a journey through time a ride into the heart of Portuguese history and a testament to enduring craftsmanship. Enjoy your visit.