My Escapes Portugal Another Lovely Trip to Portugal! Lisbon Dipping Into Lisbon The Santa Justa Elevator

The Santa Justa Elevator

Among the first things I wanted to visit was the old Santa Justa Elevator.
Besides the technical and architectural attractiveness, it's also a great viewpoint - if you want to see Lisbon from higher ground.

It's also known as Carmo Lift or Carmo Elevator and it is situated at the end of Rua de Santa Justa, in Baixa, but at the edge of Chiado. Very easy to find...

Designed in 1874, it was only finalized in 1902 by engineer Roberto Arménio.

Lisbon prides with it - it's one of its kind, unique in Europe, unique in the entire World.

You can either board the lift from the street level and get mechanically elevated to a height of 45 m (148 ft).

At the top, there is a terrace, from where you can admire the splendid views of Lisbon.

45 m doesn't sound high, but considering the less tall buildings in central Lisbon, it's a great spot for viewing the skyline.

The terrace of the lift can also be approached through a walkway from behind - should you arrive from Bairro Alto, you will be able to get there directly. For this, you will have to pass the Carmo Convent by.

I've found found the rear entrance to the terrace by accident, as I was trying to figure out where that road was leading - behold: the old elevator!

To go up with the lift, it'll cost you 5 EUR. If you want to experience the mechanical side of this attraction, don't hold yourself back... but there will be long lines.

Getting to the terrace from Bairro Alto is totally free. The end result is the same, you get to the same place and the panorama is all yours...

Besides this elevator, you should also check out Lisbon's funicular rail.

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