The tragic and terrible accident of the Elevador da Glória will remain forever in the memory of all the Lisbon residents and tourists who passed by on September 3, 2025.
One of Lisbon’s most iconic and emblematic elevators suffered one of the biggest disasters in the city’s history, and this is not the first time this has happened, with the first accident, on May 7, 2018, one of the cars derailed, but without any injuries.
From “glory” to tragedy
The Elevador da Glória was inaugurated on October 24, 1885 by engineer Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel , who also designed the beautiful Elevador de Santa Justa in downtown Lisbon.
It quickly became a symbol of technical and urban innovation in Lisbon, having been designed to solve the city’s accessibility challenges, especially due to its steep hills, and it facilitated the connection between Praça dos Restauradores and Bairro Alto.
Also classified as a National Monument, the Elevador da Glória has undergone technological evolutions, changing from water counterweight and steam traction to electric, and has even hosted iconic events such as the “Subida à Glória” bicycle ride.
Over several decades, it has become a living relic and a meeting point for Lisbon’s urban life, and is much appreciated – and used – by tourists visiting our city.
Its importance for local tourism
Hence its importance for tourism in Lisbon, as it receives around three million passengers every year and is a must-see attraction in the capital, offering a picturesque experience on a short 265-meter ride with a 17% gradient.
After a trip on the Elevador da Glória, passengers arrive at one of Lisbon’s most characteristic viewpoints, the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.
The tragic accident
The Glória Elevator accident has few precedents, either in Lisbon or in other places that use the same type of engineering as the Lisbon equipment.
The case has been handed over to the competent authorities, and it is suspected that the derailment was caused by the cable breaking and the car that was descending losing all braking capacity, crashing into a building next to the curve of the artery, which is also used by passers-by.
So far, of the 38 people involved in the accident, there are 17 dead and more than 20 injured, one of whom is in intensive care.
