Viewpoint of Elevador de Santa Justa

On July 10^th, 1902, was inaugurated the Elevador de Santa Justa¹ with the purpose of overcoming the cliff of Colina de São Roque², transporting citizens from Baixa Pombalina³ to Largo do Carmo⁴. On this steel structure's top we find the Viewpoint of Elevador de Santa Justa.

It was the Portuguese engineer Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, of French origin, responsible for the construction of many other lifts and funiculars in Portugal, that designed the complex structure in cast steel and distinguished as National Monument in 2002.

Whether you use the lift or the stairs, the visit to the viewpoint is always paid according to the access you opt. Those coming from Largo do Carmo⁴ can take the spiral staircase by the amount of ?1,5 - not advisable for those suffering from vertigo - but if you are on the ground floor of the lift at Rua de Santa Justa⁵ you'll have to take the lift and spend ?5.

Up here the height is quite overwhelming...

We are few meters abova the rooftops of Baixa Pombalina³. We sight Castelo de São Jorge⁶ in major highlight right in front of us, Colina de Santo André⁷ and Colina de Sant'Ana⁸ to the left. To the right, the Rio Tejo⁹ is crossed by ferries that complete the route between Lisbon and the south margin. Immediately behind us, the Convento do Carmo¹⁰.

While observing the fullness of Baixa Lisboeta¹¹ we are absorbed by the sensation of height. Between us and the abyss is just a the thin handrail of the Viewpoint of Elevador de Santa Justa. Find out and feel it!

Translation references

1. Lift of Santa Justa
2. Hill of São Roque
3. Pombal Downtown
4. Carmo Square
5. Santa Justa Street
6. São Jorge's Castle
7. Hill of Santo André
8. Hill of Sant'Ana
9. Tagus River
10. Carmo Convent
11. Lisbon Downtown