National Coach Museum

The Museu Nacional dos Coches in Lisbon, Portugal, has one of the finest collections of historic cars in the world and is one of the most visited museums in the city. The museum is located in the old riding hall of the Palácio Nacional de Belém, the former Royal Palace, which today houses the residence of the Portuguese President.

The classical riding hall was built by the Italian architect Giacomo Azzolini to 1787. Several Portuguese artists decorated the interior of the building with paintings and mosaics azulejos. The riding arena is 50 m long and 17 m wide and was used for the training of horses and ideas.

The museum was founded by the last Portuguese Queen Amélie 1905. It houses an extensive collection of carriages of the Portuguese royal family and the Portuguese nobility.

The collection gives a comprehensive overview of the development of the carriages from the late 16th century to the 19th century, with exhibits from Italy, Portugal, France, Spain, Austria and England.

One of the rarest pieces include a touring car from the late 17th century 16./frühen, King Philip II of Portugal used, 1619 from Spain to go to Portugal.

There are also several pompous Baroque 18th century carriages, which are painted and decorated with gilded carvings. Among the most impressive exhibits include a body that Pope Clement XI. 1715 the Portuguese King John V gave, and the two 1716 built in Rome carriages that gave the Portuguese ambassador to Pope Clement XI.

Part of the museum is located in the Palace of the Duce de Bragança family in Vila Viçosa, in the south of Portugal.