Santa Justa Lift in Lisbon

Halfway between a means of transport and a tourist attraction, the Santa Justa Lift solved Lisbon's challenge of connecting the upper and lower parts of the city.

The Santa Justa Lift is a lift (elevator) in Lisbon, which serves as the fastest way to get from the Baixa neighborhood to the Bairro Alto district.

The Elevador de Santa Justa stands 45 metres (147 feet) tall and the structure is built in a Neo-Gothic style using iron, and is reminiscent of works by renowned French architect, the Gustave Eiffel. It as designed by Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard, a great admirer of Gustave Eiffel, and is likely to have been inspired by his Eiffel's works, as well as some similar techniques used in some of the funiculars in France of the time.

It was inaugurated as part of the city’s public transport systems on 10 July 1902 and was officially named Elevador do Carmo (Carmo Lift). Locals were so excited to try this novelty that on the first day, 3,000 tickets were sold, despite the lift's capacity of only 24 people.

The success of the Santa Justa lift's first day is a testament to how important it was, and continues to be to the city, offering a much-needed connection between Baixa and Carmo Convent, a journey which is very steep on foot!

The Carmo Lift was originally powered by steam until 1907, when an electric motor was put in place.

Visiting the Santa Justa Lift

The Santa Justa lift has a stunning observation deck at the top and offers magnificent views over Baixa. Since it was opened to the public, it has become one of the most popular viewpoints in Lisbon. If you're visiting Lisbon and book this Lisbon hills tramcar tour, a ticket to the Santa Justa lift is included!