Elevador Santa Justa

What is the link with this elevator and the Eiffel Tower?

The Elevador Santa Justa (Lisbon Elevator) is a spectacular construction which on first viewing is strangely familiar to the Eiffel Tower.

Situated on Rua de Santa Justa, the Lisbon Elevator connects the lower streets of Baixa with Largo do Carmo, the square where the revolution of 1974 culminated. The Elevator’s viewing platform is located just off this beautiful square and if you wish to avoid some queues for the elevator trip from the bottom, you can gain access from here a walk up the short spiral staircase to the platform.

The Elevator was designed by a Porto engineer called Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard who was of French parents and was a student of Gustave Eiffel, of Eiffel Tower fame. So if you think that the steal work is familiar, then you’re not imagining it. The contract to build the elevator was signed in 1900 and by 1902 the Elevador Santa Justa was completed. Some people also call it the Elevador do Carmo.

Elevators were an important part of the Lisbon infrastructure as the city is built on seven hills. The elevators were needed to connect the different city levels and there are many hidden elevators still in use today which locals use as short cuts to navigate the hilly terrain.

The Elevator is well worth visiting and offers spectacular views over the historic district of Alfama, Castelo de São Jorge and the River Tagus. When you stand on the viewing platform, you’ll have an excellent perspective of the city. Exit the viewing platform and walk directly ahead and you’ll find the beautiful Lisbon square of Largo do Carmo.

Elevador Santa Justa Base Entrance is located Here