The Santa Justa Elevator, more than a means of transport
The Santa Justa Elevator, also known as the Carmo Elevator, is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city, and is also another form of public transport in Lisbon.
Work on the elevator began in 1900 and ended in July 1902, by the French-born Portuguese engineer Raoul Mesnier, who was a disciple of Eiffel.
This majestic elevator was created in the heart of Lisbon near Do Orou street and on the day of its inauguration more than 3000 tickets were sold.
What is the Santa Justa Elevator like?
In its beginning, the Santa Justa Elevator worked with steam, but five years later, on November 6, 1907, it switched to electric power.
Booths adorned with gleaming wood, brass sconces, and large mirrors accommodate up to 25 people going up and 15 people going down. Each cabin has 2 engines.
It is the only elevator in Lisbon that is vertical and outdoors, it is a 45-meter-high metal structure, it is a Gothic-Renaissance work of art.
90% of the machinery is still in operation, including the elevator box with great detail and materials used at the end of the 19th century.
Go up in the Santa Justa Elevator
By going up the elevator you can exit the metal structure to Plaza Carmo.
But if you want to have one of the most beautiful views, you must go up the spiral staircase which offers the best view of the city of Lisbon where we can see its hills and the São Jorge Castle looks perfect.
Upon reaching the terrace, there is a charming open-air restaurant where you can eat some of the city’s specialties, savor a delicious Brazilian coffee and give us a 360-degree view.
The most advisable thing is to go up in the afternoons since you can enjoy the best sunsets.
Its architecture is so beautiful that if you can’t go up because of the cost, you can also enjoy it from below, at night it’s a dream with all those lights on, without a doubt it can remind us of the Eiffel Tower.
The elevator was close to being destroyed by the fire that devastated Chiado in 1988, but it was extinguished almost at its gates, it is one of the few monuments of the Industrial Age in the city, it was converted into a national monument, a century later, in the year 2002.
The 15 meter high viaduct was reopened in 2006 after several years of work in the area. It is one of the few Gothic elements that remain in the city. This means of transport is the fastest way to get from La Baixa to Barrio Alto.
