Museu Nacional dos Coches

The National Coach Museum “Museu Nacional dos Coches” houses the largest collection of its type in the world. Opening 1905 occupying a royal riding school that was part of the Belem Palace It allows the visitor to see first hand the flambouyance  and wealth of the Portuguese nobility of yesteryear.  It is now located across the street, in a new building designed by the architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha. 

Each carriage is more magnificent than the other, showing how artisans went to extraordinary lengths to make their vehicles stand out. One of the most outstanding has gilded figures on the tailgate, showing Lisbon crowned by Fame and Abundance. Another one, used in an embassy to France’s Louis XIV, depicts cherubs with bat’s wings. Yet another splendid example was built in 1716 for Portugal’s ambassador to Pope Clement XI, decorated with allegorical scenes representing Portuguese military and maritime triumphs.

More wonderful examples belonged to several European royal families, from Spain to England, including a 19th-century coach built in London last used by Queen Elizabeth II on a state visit.

The old building still presents several wonderful examples, and may be visited on its own.