Wind's Mouth Elevator

Category: Civil Architecture > Elevator

District: Setúbal > Almada > Almada > Almada Velha

Location

The Boca do Vento Elevator is located in the historic area of Almada Velha, in the city of Almada. It is strategically situated next to the southern bank of the Tagus River, at the foot of the cliff. This elevator functions as a fundamental link between the higher and older part of Almada and the riverside area, which stretches along the river.

Its privileged position, facing north, allows it to directly face the city of Lisbon, offering a unique perspective of the urban and fluvial landscape. The base of the elevator is integrated into a garden area, inviting moments of tranquility by the river, harmoniously connecting with its surroundings.

A Unique Perspective

One of the greatest attractions of the Boca do Vento Elevator is the visual experience it provides. Its fully glassed cabin offers a 180-degree panoramic view. Throughout the journey, visitors can appreciate the vast Tagus River estuary, with its contours and the city of Lisbon framed on the horizon, from the Bugio area to Vila Franca de Xira.

This aerial perspective reveals the grandeur of the surrounding landscape, making the ascent or descent an opportunity to contemplate the fusion between the urban environment and the natural beauty of the river, a striking scenic element for those exploring the region.

Architecture and Design

Inaugurated in the year 2000, the Boca do Vento Elevator is not just a means of transport, but a contemporary architectural piece. Its design reflects a concern for urban planning, art, and integration into the local landscape and environment. Its construction, which began in 1999, culminated in a standalone structure that stands out for its aesthetics and functionality.

The work exhibits a refined plastic sense, with attention to detailed design and a careful finishing of forms. The choice of materials such as smooth concrete and steel gives it a clean and modern language. The cabin, a stainless-steel cylinder with an aluminum interior and stainless-steel doors, was designed to maximize the visual experience. The entire complex, including the lower body with a terrace/viewpoint and the striking U-shaped pillar, was conceived by a multidisciplinary team, with artistic leadership from sculptor José Aurélio and architectural design by Fidalgo Mineiro, Helena Moreira, and Anabela Felício.

The Route and the Gradient

The Boca do Vento Elevator plays a crucial role in local mobility, efficiently and accessibly connecting two distinct levels. It overcomes a gradient of approximately 50 meters, providing a vertical journey that connects Almada's historic center to the riverside. The journey, lasting approximately one minute, is smooth and quiet, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the view.

This elevator is not just an access facilitator; it is an infrastructure that enhances the experience of those traveling between the different elevations of the city, transforming a simple journey into a moment of appreciation for the surroundings and the connection between the city and the Tagus River.

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