Category: Civil Architecture > Power Plant
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Belém
The Central Tejo building is located in the historic area of Belém, in Lisbon, on the north bank of the Tagus River. Its location offers a view of the river and is set within an urban environment that preserves a strong industrial and port atmosphere. The presence of the Cascais railway line nearby contributes to the riverside and historical identity of the site, which was strategically chosen for the reception of coal by sea.
For much of the 20th century, Central Tejo was a cornerstone of electricity production in Lisbon and its surroundings. This thermoelectric power plant, which operated between 1909 and 1972, played a crucial role in the modernization and development of the city, illuminating streets, homes, and boosting industry. Although it last operated in 1972 and officially closed in 1975, its undeniable historical importance led to its classification as a Property of Public Interest in 1986. Since 1990, the space has been transformed into the Electricity Museum, dedicated to preserving and disseminating this significant industrial heritage.
The architectural complex of Central Tejo is a remarkable example of industrial architecture from the first half of the 20th century. The ensemble of buildings, constructed with an aesthetic harmony that combines the robustness of iron with the sobriety of brick and concrete, reveals the techniques and materials of the era. The imposing facades, with large windows and protruding elements, give it a grandiose appearance. Inside, the structure is markedly functional, with metal staircases, platforms, and intricate pipework that once guided the energy production process. The fact that it was a constantly evolving project, with various expansion phases, did not prevent it from maintaining a remarkable stylistic unity.
At its peak, Central Tejo represented the complexity and ingenuity required to generate electricity on a large scale. Its operation was based on burning coal, which arrived by sea and was transported through an elaborate system of conveyor belts and silos to the furnaces. There, the coal was burned at extremely high temperatures, transforming water into steam. This high-pressure steam moved the turbines which, in turn, drove the generators to produce the electrical energy that reached Lisbon. A network of condensers, which used Tagus River water for cooling, ensured that the steam was transformed back into pure water for reuse, in a continuous and efficient cycle for its time.
Behind the imposing machinery of Central Tejo lay the tireless work of hundreds of employees. The continuous operation of the power plant required a strict division of tasks and an uninterrupted shift system. These workers performed over forty-five distinct functions, from unloading coal to more specialized engineering tasks. Working conditions, especially in the coal-burning areas, were harsh, with extreme temperatures, constant dust, and intense noise. By preserving this site, the Electricity Museum also honors the effort and dedication of generations of men and women who, through their labor, drove the progress and illumination of the city.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museu_da_Eletricidade_(Lisboa)
https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Tejo
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.69568634924972,-9.195405096323816
Coordinates DMS: 38°41'44.5"N 09°11'43.5"W
Weather Lisboa
On-duty Pharmacy Lisboa
