More than 100 years after they began operating, Lisbon residents and tourists continue to admire Lisbon’s elevators and the city certainly wouldn’t be the same without them, would it?
Maybe you’ve been on all of them, but there are stories and curiosities about these elevators that you probably don’t know. Come and find out!
Elevador de Santa Justa
Since June 10, 1902, the Elevador de Santa Justa has connected Rua do Ouro, in downtown Lisbon, to Largo do Carmo. At 45 meters high, it was designed by the Portuguese engineer (of French origin) Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel.
At the top of this neo-Gothic tower, made of cast iron and decorated with filigree elements, there is a belvedere with incredible views of the city.
Perhaps inspired by the Bridge of Arts in Paris, many lovers began to leave their love locks here.
Ascensor da Glória
From Praça dos Restauradores to Bairro Alto (São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint), you can get there in no time thanks to the Ascensor da Glória, inaugurated in 1885, which climbs the 275 meters of Calçada da Glória (hence its name).
At first it used a water counterweight, then it was powered by steam and since 1915 it has been electrified .
It currently transports around three million people a year. Radio Macau fans (and others) certainly won’t forget the song “Elevador da Glória”, which was a hit in the 80s.
Bica Lift
Going down from Largo do Calhariz to Rua de São Paulo (or taking the opposite route) is much more than just a trip down the steep Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo.
It’s a whole experience, and not just for tourists, that reveals this typical neighborhood, with the Tagus in the background.
Inaugurated on June 28, 1892, when it was steam-powered, the Ascensor da Bica is probably the most photographed elevator in Lisbon.
If you also like capturing good images, here’s a tip: try to catch the moment when the two carriages cross and you’re sure to get dozens more likes.
Lavra Lift
We’ve saved Lisbon’s oldest working elevator for last and it’s probably the most unknown.
Inaugurated on April 18, 1884 , the Ascensor do Lavra connects Largo da Anunciada and Rua Câmara Pestana via Calçada do Lavra.
At the top, you’re just a stone’s throw from the Campo de Santana Garden and the Torel Garden.
It too started out using a water counterweight, then steam and finally electricity.
And like the other elevators and elevators of the time, it bears the signature of Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard.
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