"Zoom out. What’s this place all about? Horse-drawn coaches symbolize a lost, beautiful art form, but they get the limelight at this Belém museum. The historic collection, featuring examples from around the world, makes it one of Lisbon’s most sought-after cultural sites. Coaches? Interesting. Well, what kinds will we see here? World, state, and promenade vehicles from the 16th to 19th centuries chronicle the evolution of coaches in the pre-automobile era. Peer at such fanciful creations as Queen Maria Francisca of Savoy-Nemour’s circa-17th century ceremonial ride and the more modern 19th-century sedan chair, typically carried by footmen via leather straps. That's pretty cool, actually. Is it strictly limited to automobiles? Beyond the carriages, there are a number of other artifacts, including an 18th-century war drum of the Royal House, glass-globe lamps capped in royal crowns and affixed to wooden poles that accompanied vehicles, and no-frills portable beds that came to the rescue on long hauls. The new building housing this weighty collection is also notable: it was designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha. For another taste of the old, pay a visit to the nearby Royal Riding School, the museum’s old home, which dates back to 1726. Will do. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? Be sure to look for King Filipe’s vehicle; used during his visit to Portugal in 1619, it’s the oldest relic in the museum’s collection. Some of the 18th-century examples, like the one ordered by King João V for the Portuguese Royal House, feature paintings and rich, gilded details. Pope Clement XI’s is especially ornate." - Alia Akkam
