Hop in the elevator of Santa Justa in the heart of Lisbon

Located in the Baixa district in the centre of Lisbon, the Santa Justa elevator is one of the must-see places to visit in the city.

The elevator of Santa Justa, also known as Elevador do Carmo , is the only historical elevator in the city Lisbon . Its unique character and its amazing neo-Gothic style architecture make it a major tourist attraction. It allows you to connect the neighborhood of the name of Baixa with the Largo do Carmo square and in a more general way with the Chiado district and not far from there the Bairro Alto.

Lisbon, the city with seven hills

The Portuguese capital has seven hills that form its historic centre. If you're about to visit Lisbon prepare to go up and down the streets on a continuous slope! It is this characteristic that led to the construction of various means of transport including the famous yellow trams allowing residents to climb less painfully some ribs. The funiculars of Bica, Glória and Lavra were designed by the same architect as the elevator of Santa Justa: Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard.

History and architecture of the elevator of Santa Justa

Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard was born to Porto French parents. This Portuguese architect attacked the construction of the famous Lisbon elevator in 1900, a construction site that will end in 1902. It is to the architect Jacinto Augusto Mariares that we owe the metalwork structure so characteristic of the lift. At its beginnings the elevator was operated by a steam machine which was replaced by an electric system in 1907.

The 45m monument was built in wrought iron. His style reminds in a way that of Eiffel Tower He could have thought that Mesnier du Ponsard was a student of Gustave Eiffel. However, this link between the two men was not established.

The neo-Gothic style of the lift, its small spiral staircase and its view with 360° views of the city of Lisbon make this building very popular in the eyes of tourists.

Location, prices and schedules to visit the elevator of Santa Justa

The famous elevator of Santa Justa is located in the city centre of Lisbon in the district called Baixa. More specifically, you will find it at street crossing Aurea and Santa Justa .

The tower is open every day from 7 am to 22 pm in winter and up to 23 hours in summer. The window opens from 8:30 to 8:30.

The access to the elevator is €5.15 per adult for a ride/return, with an extra charge of €1.50 to reach the window on the top floor of the monument. Just below the window, you can drink a cup at the café, accessible by a spiral staircase, offering a magnificent view of the Saint-Georges castle , the Rossio, the Baixa — the low city — and the Tage.

However, you will have to arm yourself with patience to take advantage of this attraction that gathers a consistent tail every day from the elevator.