Santa Justa Lift (Lisboa)
written by tmmluis
on February 22nd, 2009
, 8 comments
(5 votes)
Santa Justa Lift (Portuguese: Elevador de Santa Justa) is an Eiffel Tower-like structure located in Lisbon’s downtown. In its interior has two wooden elevators that bring people up and down connecting the downtown streets to Carmo Square.
The Santa Justa Lift was designed by Raul Mesnier de Ponsard, a Portuguese engineer born in Porto and apprentice of Gustave Eiffel. Construction was finished in 1902 originally powered by steam and converted to electrical operation in 1907.
The iron lift is 45 meters tall and is decorated in neogothic style, with a different pattern on each storey. The top storey is reached by helicoidal staircases and has a terrace with a great café that offers views of Lisbon Castle, the Rossio Square and the Baixa neighborhood.
Today the structure is owned by transport company Carris and is integrated into the public transport network. In February 2002, along with the funiculars of Lavra, Glória and Bica, also owned by Carris, it was classified as a national monument.
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