Santa Justa Lift

Helpful Guide

Dec 5, 2024 — 1 min read

Photo by Lucie Capkova / Unsplash

This neo-Gothic elevator was built by Raul Mesnier, a Portuguese engineer who studied under Gustave Eiffel (yes, that Eiffel). Back in 1902, it was the only way for people in downtown to reach Carmo without climbing the hill. Originally powered by steam, it would puff away like a vertical train. The locals nicknamed it 'Elevador do Carmo', and it's been helping tired legs ever since. Those beautiful wrought-iron patterns aren't just for show - they're hiding a pretty clever counterweight system. (Tip: skip the long queue for the lift and access the top viewing platform from Carmo - same views, no wait.)

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