Coach Museum, a must-see in Lisbon

National coach museum is one of the most popular museums in Lisbon, drawing hundreds of thousands people every year.

Inaugurated by the last queen of Portugal, Queen Amelia, in 1905, it houses some of the oldest coaches in the world and more.

portrait of Queen Amelia, princess of France, married to King Carlos I of Portugal
Por Museu Nacional dos Coches - http://www.matriznet.dgpc.pt/matriznet/home.aspx

I have visited the museum a lot of times 

but had no idea it is divided into two parts-Praça Afonso de Albuquerque

and Av. da Índia 136, 1300-004 Lisboa. 

After researching extensively to write this blog, I still didn't know. 

Most info available in English doesn't say anything about two parts. 

Only by taking a closer look at the leaflet from the museum did I realize it. 

Worth learning Portuguese to appreciate this lovely city better. 

original museum-Praça Afonso de Albuquerque

Make sure you visit both sites.
The original museum shows off beautiful ceilings and walls as it was a part of the palace.
Added in 2015, the new one exhibits the majority of the coaches, paintings and so on.

new addition Av. da Índia 136, 1300-004 Lisboa

The new addition is just across the street from the original one.
It's easy to find.

I only visited the new addition.

After getting your ticket, just turn around and you will see the entrance.

Take the elevator upstairs.

It is the oldest one used by King Philip II.
In 1619 he traveled from Madrid to Lisbon by this coach.

Princesses' coaches show off beautiful pictures on the coaches. 

There are many coaches from 17th century to 19th century, used by kings, royal families and popes from not only Portugal but also England, Austria, Italia and so on.
When you are familiar with European history, it's fun to find who used which coach.

coaches from Italy

These coaches look like the one from a fairy tale but they are used for religious ceremonies.
They don't carry people at all. 

The most interesting coaches, I find, are litters.
They are coaches without wheels.
At first, I figured people would have carried them but not true.
Horses carried the coaches and since they don't have any wheels,
they used to transport people on steep hills or places not approachable by normal coaches.

Five years' ago, when I first came to Lisbon, I had a very tight schedule.
After just visiting Belem Tower and Monastery of Jeronimos, I just headed to the famous Pasteis de Belem to enjoy the world famous nata.

I wish I had a chance to visit coach museums at that time.
If you miss this museum, you highly likely would, too.


Wondering about hours and prices of this beautiful museum?
Go visit it yourself. You won't be sorry.