The curiosities of the Elevador da Glória, one of Lisbon’s most beloved icons

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From Praça dos Restauradores to Bairro Alto (Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara), you could get there in no time thanks to the Elevador da Glória, which had a tragic accident on September 3, 2025.

Inaugurated in 1885, it spans 275 meters of the Calçada da Glória (this is where its name comes from).

As is also the case with the Lavra and Bica elevators, the Ascensor da Glória is more commonly known as the Elevador da Glória, a more practical name that quickly began to be used by most Lisbon residents… and even by those who visit it.

Objects of vandalism over the years

It’s no surprise that this type of equipment has always suffered from vandalism over the years, particularly graffiti, which takes all the shine off these “little yellows”.

It’s very rare, in fact, to find a good photograph of any Lisbon elevator without one of these paintings, which is a shame.

What was it like in the past?

At first, the Elevador da Glória also used a water counterweight, then it was powered by steam and, since 1915, it has been electrified.

As with the Santa Justa and the Lavra Elevator, the Glória Elevator was also designed by Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel.

5 curiosities about the Elevador da Glória

1. Until September 3, it transported around three million people a year and, until the end of the 19th century, the night journeys were accompanied by candles inside the cabin;
2. Between 1913 and 1926 a cycling race was organized, the Subida à Glória (the name couldn’t be better, don’t you think?), which also took place in 2013 and consisted of a time trial up this 275-metre slope;
3. The record stands at 37.99 seconds, 17 seconds less than the previous record, set in 1926;
4. The Ascensor da Glória corresponds to Carris line 51E, which runs from Restauradores to São Pedro de Alcântara, in Bairro Alto;
5. In 1987, the well-known Portuguese band Rádio Macau released a song that would become one of their biggest hits: “O Elevador da Glória”.

What days and times does the Elevador da Glória work?

The Glória elevator operated daily at the following times:

• Weekdays: from 7.15 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturdays: 8.45 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sundays and public holidays: from 9.15 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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