Santa Justa Lift

Lisbon, Portugal

The Santa Justa Lift is an elevator, or lift, in the civil parish of Santa Justa, in the historical city of Lisbon. Situated at the end of Rua de Santa Justa, it connects the lower streets of the Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo (Carmo Square).

Since its construction, the Lift has become a tourist attraction for Lisbon as, among the urban lifts in the city, Santa Justa is the only remaining vertical (conventional) one. Others, including Elevador da Glória and Elevador da Bica, are actually funicular railways, and the other lift constructed around the same time, the Elevator of São Julião, has since been demolished.

The hills of Lisbon have always presented a problem for travel between the lower streets of the main Baixa and the higher Largo do Carmo. In order to facilitate the movement between the two, the civil and military engineer Roberto Arménio presented a project to the Lisbon municipal council in 1874.

In 1900, the formal contract was signed on which the working group was obligated to present a project for an elevator in a period of six months. On 31 August 1901, King Carlos inaugurates the metal bridge and awning. Yet, its operation would wait until 1902. Originally powered by steam, it was converted to electrical operation in 1907. After remodelling and renovation, on February 2006, the Elevator walkway was reopened for the general public and tourists.

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Details

Founded: 1902
Category: Industrial sites in Portugal

Rating

4.1/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Sandis Ve (9 months ago)
The lift is an extraordinary fixture in Lisbon with its metallic exterior and industrial shape, (much like Eiffel tower) but still manages to blend in perfectly with the city. We did not take the lift itself (as there was quite a row) but climbed the streets to the top, which allowed exploring the neighborhood and offered nice views of the city from the top (the platform on top is accessible without extra cost). This is a must see if you visit Lisbon.
David Quinn (9 months ago)
There always seems to be a queue. We went early evening before sunset, and it moves quite quick. There is only one guy operating the one lift, plus checking passes and taking money. We went in June and the top viewing deck is closed, as the floor is damaged we overheard. So at the moment it is just a lift to take you up one of the many hills of Lisbon. Nice views at the top, but it wasn't overly clear the top viewing deck was closed.
Jill Lowe (11 months ago)
Definitely worth seeing. We did not pay to ride the lift, but you can walk from bottom to top the ‘long way round’, or alternatively use the sneaky free lift to be found at the top of the steps behind the lift to the right, accessed through a small tourist ‘shop’ selling cork goods (see photos). It doesn’t get you all the way to the high level walkway, but it gets you half way there and IT’S FREE plus you get better views of the outside of the lift. You can walk around the lower viewing platform at the top of the lift FOR FREE; the highest viewing platform is currently closed.
vijay aditya (2 years ago)
Santa Justa lift is one of the favorite lookout spot of the city for an awesome view. The place is usually crowded during sunset as many people like capturing the picturesque city. The view also offers a beautiful view of Sao Jorge Castle.
Vimal Raj Kappil (2 years ago)
This is a world famous elevator in Central Lisbon – almost the best description would be that it is a stand alone structure of approximately 50 metres or so in height. One can purchase tickets and go to the top of the viewing arena/gallery at the top of the structure. The entire structure looks quite menacing to me actually because it is almost entirely made with steel, a bit cold in the middle of the warm coloured buildings of Lisbon. The view from the top is quite good- but nothing spectacular. Better vistas elsewhere. Definitely worth a visit though, but can be avoided if queue’s are unending.
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