Glory Elevator and the urban environment that surrounds it.

Category: Civil Architecture > Funicular

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Santa Maria Maior

Connection between Baixa and Bairro Alto

The Ascensor da Glória connects Praça dos Restauradores, in Baixa, to Bairro Alto, one of Lisbon's most vibrant areas, known for its nightlife and cultural scene.

History and Engineering

Inaugurated on October 24, 1885, it was designed by the Portuguese engineer Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard. Initially, it operated with a rack and water counterweight system, later converted to steam traction, and in 1915, it became electrically powered.

National Monument

Since February 2002, the Ascensor da Glória has been classified as a National Monument, which underlines its historical and cultural importance to the city.

Capacity and Usage

It is one of the three funiculars operated by Carris in Lisbon and the most popular, transporting millions of passengers annually, including tourists and locals.

Technical Characteristics

The 265-meter route, on a double line, overcomes a height difference of over 17%. The two identical cars, numbered 1 and 2, have space for passengers on bench seats, with views from the windows, providing a unique experience of ascending and descending the hill.

Place of Interest

At the top of the journey, you will find the Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara, which offers a panoramic view of Lisbon, including the São Jorge Castle and the Tagus River.

Culture and Tradition

In addition to its regular use, the Ascensor da Glória is known for the "Subida à Glória" (Glória Ascent), a cycling race that challenges athletes to climb the route against the clock. This race, organized between 1913 and 1926, was resumed in 2013.

Musical Heritage

The song "O Elevador da Glória" (The Glória Elevator), by the band Rádio Macau, released in 1987, became an icon of Portuguese rock and reinforced the funicular's fame in popular culture.

Unique Experience

Traveling on the Ascensor da Glória is not just a form of transportation, but also a journey through time, allowing visitors to appreciate the tradition and charm of Lisbon.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elevador_da_Glória

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt