HOME ROME TOURS VATICAN TOURS COLOSSEUM TOURS DAY TRIPS TICKETS ABOUT US CONTACT US The Carriage Pavilion at The Vatican Museums HomeBest places in RomeThings to do in RomeHolidayThe Carriage Pavilion at The Vatican Museums The Carriage Pavilion at The Vatican Museums For those with a keen interest in vehicles and modes of transportation, the Carriage Pavillion at the Vatican Museums is a ‘must-see’. Inaugurated on April 19th, 1973 by Pope Paul VI, the Carriage Pavilion (Padiglione delle Carrozze) features a variety of transportation used by the popes over the centuries. Also on display near the horse-drawn carriages are several busts of various popes over the centuries. History Until the 19th century, carriages were the dominant mode of transport, however, this all changed in the 20th century when motor vehicles were added to the Vatican’s transport collection. Carriages The Carriages Pavilion features an impressive collection of exquisite carriages, richly decorated which were predominantly used for special occasions. One of the most ornate carriages in the collection is the Grand Gala Berlin, constructed in Rome in 1826. The original carriages, sedan chairs, court livery, and horses’ harnesses are on display for all to admire. Cars The major automobile manufacturers competed to donate their best vehicles to the Vatican’s fleet of cars. There is now a wide-ranging collection that can be seen, featuring cars such as the classic VW Beetle, which was the last Beetle produced by Volkswagen in Mexico to the most luxurious such as the Mercedes Benz Nurburg 460 limousine, designed by Ferdinand Porshe. Other cars on display include a 1964 Lincoln Continental and a 1974 Citroen. Popemobiles Popemobiles were also added to the Vatican’s collection of vehicles. These are used to transport the Pope through enormous crowds, moving at a very slow pace. In a Popemobile, the Pope stands up at the back of the vehicle, allowing people to see him passing by. Initially, these vehicles were open-roofed, however, following the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II on 13 May 1981 in Saint Peter’s Square in the 1973 Fiat Campagnola, Popemobiles were later constructed with protective glass. Pope John Paul II survived the attempted assassination but was severely injured. Tours of the Carriage Pavilion To find out more about the history of these luxurious papal carriages and historical cars, join us for a tour of the Vatican Museums and the Carriage Pavilion, where are our expert guides will share their knowledge. For further information and to book, check out all our Vatican tours. Photo by tradizioneattacchi.eu By admin|March 29th, 2021|Best places in Rome, Holiday, Things to do in Rome|0 Comments Related Posts Recent Posts Rome’s Spectacular Piazzas In Conversation with an Enjoy Rome Tour Guide Always A Warm Welcome at Enjoy Rome When in Rome, Enjoy Typical Roman Cuisine The Carriage Pavilion at The Vatican Museums Recent Comments Archives May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 September 2017 June 2017 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 March 2016 April 2015 March 2015 Categories Best places in Rome Concerts in Rome Events in Rome Exhibition in Rome Food in Rome Holiday Music in Rome Restaurants in Rome Senza categoria Sport Events in Rome Things to do in Rome Uncategorized ENJOY ROME di Marghera 8a Via Vespasiano 46 B 00192 - Rome - Italy Tel +39 064450734, + 39 0688373403 Fax +39 06 4450734 P.IVA 07340891006 Autorizzazione n° 803335262 del 04/07/2017 Polizza Amissima Assicurazioni: n° 69/02/561275790 powered by Delphinet - Hotelkeys