The Presidential Royal Carriage Collection

In May, my brother Scott Haskins and his wife Diana came to visit us here in Rome!  My brother is an Art Conservator and received his Masters Degree here in Italy!  He has many contacts and he was able to make arrangements for us to have a private tour of the

Royal Carriages in the Presidential Palace

here in Rome!

This is the Presidential Palace.  The Obelisk is from Egypt and the Statues date back many hundreds of years!

This is a closer look at the Statue right outside the Presidential Place.  The details are wonderful with horses and armor at the feet of the warriors!

These are the flags on top of the Presidential Palace.  If the flag on the left is up, that means the President is in the Palace!

We had to go through security before entering the Palace grounds and we were told the Presidential guards have to be at least 6'5" tall!!!

There are 106 Royal Carriages in the Presidential Collection!  These carriages have been going through extensive restoration efforts for the past 10 years!!!  The materials used are astounding and amazing!  Real gold, silver, velvet, silks and wood carvings!

Every detail has been refurbished and are now in beautiful working condition.  

Front view.  These carriages were actually used even into the 1930's!  The grandeur and splendor of these carriages are simply amazing!

They used real gold and silver in the tassels and trim of the coachman's seat!

This is a gold carving of armour with details that are really "off the scale" amazing!  So cool!!!

As you can see, the interior is velvet with lots of embroidery and lavish details!  The "box" you see are the compact steps......

There are even scenes painted on the sides and on the ceilings of the carriages!!!

 This carriage used all silk fabric!  It was absolutely gorgeous!!!  It was in perfect condition!

 Each carriage was used for a specific purpose.  This carriage was used for funerals.  It actually had an Egyptian theme.

 Tassels tassels everywhere!!!  I love tassels!!!

 Even the undercarriage was ornate and carved with flowers and motifs!

 This carriage has a beautiful scene painted on the sides!  The quality is first class and the detail is amazing!

 

The front wheels are smaller than the rear wheels so that the carriage can make very sharp turns.....so the front wheels actually go under the carriage!

 These carriages will not be used in the future even though they are completely refurbished!

We are standing with my brother's friend, who is also an art conservator.  He is the person who is responsible for this 10 year project!!!

 This carriage was used if the President wanted to go out privately!  This is his secret agent carriage!!!

 This carriage was used exclusively by the Queen.  This is her running around the town carriage!

 This is the cutest little baby stroller.....very ornate and beautiful!!!

 This is authentic outfit displayed by a custom manequin!  Very nice!

 This is a special carriage made for the Royal Children!  As you can see, it is much smaller than the carriage next to it!

 In another room we were able to see a magnificant collection of saddles and riding gear that were all gifts to the President and Queen from all over the world!  The case was amazing by itself!!!  The case was carved with horses and equestrian cool stuff!!! 
This case was so large it spanned the entire room.  This is only part of the display case! 

 This outfit was worn by one of the presidents many hundreds of years ago and he wore it when he proposed to his new Queen!!!

 This is the world's first baby.....horse seat!!!  Royal blue velvet and embroidery, with straps to attach to a horse!!! 

 If you look closely, you can see the different saddles and royal gifts that were so perfectly displayed!  The details were amazing and most of the gifts were true to their origins.  The stitchery and workmanship was first class!

We were so happy we were able to see this wonderful and amazing collection!

Love you all!  Lynne and Larry