Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Portalegre > Alter do Chão > Alter do Chão > Coudelaria de Alter
Casa Dos Coches is located in the heart of Alto Alentejo, nestled in the picturesque town of Alter do Chão, in the district of Portalegre. The building is specifically situated within the prestigious Coudelaria de Alter complex, a historical space with a profound equestrian legacy.
Its surroundings are marked by the tranquility of the Alentejo rural landscape and the intrinsic atmosphere of one of Portugal's oldest and most notable equestrian centers, offering an authentic perspective on the connection between built heritage and the rich tradition of the countryside.
This building, whose name suggests its original function, is intrinsically linked to the history of Coudelaria de Alter, founded in 1748 by King John V. Casa Dos Coches played a crucial role in the daily life of this important equestrian center, serving as the place dedicated to the storage and maintenance of carriages.
It was here that the vehicles, used by the court and nobility for travel and special occasions, were preserved and prepared. The space bears witness to the transportation habits of a past era, revealing the care and importance attributed to these means of locomotion in the context of social and official life.
Currently, Casa Dos Coches has been transformed into a space that preserves a remarkable collection of horse-drawn vehicles. This collection includes various types of carriages, from the simplest to the most ornate, illustrating the evolution of design and transportation engineering over the centuries.
Visitors can observe up close the meticulous construction of these pieces, the diversity of materials used (wood, wrought iron, leather, and fine textiles), and the artistic details that transformed them into true works of craftsmanship and functionality. Each carriage exhibited there tells its own story, revealing the tastes and needs of those who used them in their time, providing a visual journey into the past.
The architecture of Casa Dos Coches reflects its original practical function, featuring a robust structure and ample spaces designed to accommodate large vehicles. The simplicity and solidity of its lines fit within the typical civil architecture of the region, with elements that denote its age and historical importance.
Inside, the atmosphere is one of respect for the history and functionality of the exhibited objects. The arrangement of the carriages allows for detailed observation, inviting contemplation and immersion in the past, in a setting that honors the heritage of Alter do Chão and the rich Portuguese equestrian tradition.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.2232428,-7.6876901
Coordinates DMS: 39°13'23.7"N 07°41'15.7"W
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