Carriages in the National Coach Museum in Lisbon, Portugal, Europe, EU
One of Lisbon's most visited sights, the Coaches Museum (Museu Nacional dos Coches) has the largest and most valuable collection of its type in the world. It opened in 1905 in a richly-decorated 18th-century royal riding school that was part of Belem Palace, illustrating the ostentation and staggering wealth of the old Portuguese elite. On its 110th anniversary it moved across the street to a new building designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha. The new premises made it possible to also show accessories and carriages that weren’t previously shown. 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.
Size: 5760px × 3840px
Location: National Coach Museum in Belem, Lisbon, Portugal, Europe, EU
Photo credit: © Thibaut PETIT-BARA / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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