Elevador de Santa Justa

The Elevador de Santa Justa is a popular tourist attraction in Lisbon. In high season, people queue to ride the funicular from the Baixa up to Largo do Carmo.

The lift is 45 metres tall and contains two elevator cars with wooden interiors, mirrors and windows. Visitors ascend two spiral staircases at the bottom to reach the lift. At the top is a walkway with incredible views out over Lisbon.

The structure is illuminated at night and is a landmark of the city.

The funicular is operated by Carris who also run the buses and trams in Lisbon.

History

The cast iron Elevador de Santa Justa was designed by Raul Mesnier de Ponsard, an engineer from Porto, who was an apprentice of Gustave Eiffel.

Ponsard designed all three funiculars in the Portuguese capital.

These are the Glória Funicular, the Elevador do Lavra and the Ascensor Bica. He was also responsible for the funicular up to Bom Jesus do Monte just outside Braga in the north of Portugal.

The lift opened in 1902 and is the sole vertical lift in Lisbon. Like the other elevadors it was initially powered by steam before it was electrified.

Visitors are visible on the viewing platform. — Visitors are visible on the viewing platform at the top

Schedule

The lift runs approximately every 10 minutes. In summer (March - October) the hours are 7 am to 11 pm daily.

In winter (November - February) the lift runs from 7 am to 9 pm daily.

At the bottom of the lift is the Pombaline district of the Baixa. To the south is the Arco da Rua Augusta, Praça do Comércio, the Museu do Design e da Moda and The National Museum of Contemporary Art.

To the north is Rossio Station, Praça Dom Pedro IV and Restauradores Station. Baixa-Chiado is the nearest metro station.

At the top of the lift is the Chiado district with the Convento do Carmo, the Church of São Roque and the adjacent Museum of São Roque.

This area of Lisbon is a popular place to stay especially for travelers on a budget. Hotels and hostels in the area include the Original Lisbon Guesthouse, the 5 Sins Chiado Hostel and the New Aljubarrota Guest House.