Step back in time and picture yourself riding in a luxurious carriage with beautiful wheels and ornate decor at the National Coach Museum in Belém in the district of Lisbon.
Located in Belém, near the Tagus River and the National Palace (the official residence of the President of the Republic), the National Coach Museum is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in this tourist area of Lisbon!
When Queen Amélie of Orléans and Bragança (wife of Carlos I of Portugal) realized the great cultural value of the Royal House’s ceremonial coaches collection, she decided it had to be shared with the public.
The museum officially opened on May 23, 1905 in the hall of the former Royal Riding Arena. and then moved to it's current location in 2015.
The museum officially opened on May 23, 1905 in the hall of the former Royal Riding Arena. and then moved to it's current location in 2015.
What’s a Coach?
A Coach is a ceremonial and travel vehicle that emerged at the beginning of the 15th century, in Kocs (Hungary). In fact, the term “coach” (used in English) derives from the name of this village, which inspired linguistic adaptations in other European countries: “coche” (in Portuguese, French, and Spanish), “cocchio” (in Italian), “Kutsche” (in German), etc.
A Coach is a ceremonial and travel vehicle that emerged at the beginning of the 15th century, in Kocs (Hungary). In fact, the term “coach” (used in English) derives from the name of this village, which inspired linguistic adaptations in other European countries: “coche” (in Portuguese, French, and Spanish), “cocchio” (in Italian), “Kutsche” (in German), etc.
Despite being called National Coach Museum, the collection of this museum consists of almost 80 vehicles of various types that belonged both to the Portuguese Royal House and to figures of the clergy and aristocracy. In addition to coaches, you’ll find berlins (a four-wheeled carriage for two seated people), chaises, litters, sedan chairs, carriages, landaus, and much more!
The National Coach Museum houses the Coach of King João V. King of Portugal from December 9, 1706 until his death in 1750, he was known as the Magnanimous and the Portuguese Sun King. His reign saw the rise of Portugal to new levels of prestige and prosperity among European courts.
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The Coach of the Coronation of Lisbon is another of the five embassy coaches that participated in the procession for Pope Clement XI in Rome.
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Ornate painting and decor were magnificent to look at.
I really loved the intricate wheels. They are works of art!
This is the oldest horse-drawn prisoner transport vehicle known in Portugal. Access to the interior is through a single rear door which opens only from the outside. There are 6 individual cells.
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This Mail Coach delivered mail between Lisbon and Porto in the late 1850s.
There's one car in the National Coach Museum - the first automobile that circulated in Portugal in 1895! It’s was made in France from the Parisian brand Panhard et Levassor. I love antique cars so it was super cool to see!
There was an interesting collection of chess pieces and Fado guitars in a separate area.
Getting There
Located at Av. da Índia 136, 1300-300 Lisboa, Portugal.
It's easy to get to this museum by public transportation. You can take the bus (lines 28, 714, 727, 729, 751), tram (number 15E) and train (Cascais Line)!
For more information, visit their official website.
Located at Av. da Índia 136, 1300-300 Lisboa, Portugal.
It's easy to get to this museum by public transportation. You can take the bus (lines 28, 714, 727, 729, 751), tram (number 15E) and train (Cascais Line)!
For more information, visit their official website.
More Belém Attractions
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Like museums? Check out my other Lisbon museum posts.
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