Elevador do Lavra

Lisbon's First Funicular System

The Elevador do Lavra was the first-ever funicular system installed in the city of Lisbon, Portugal. This funicular elevator opened in 1884 and established a link between Câmara Pestana street and Largo da Anunciada.

A funicular system is also known as a cliff railway. It consists of a type of rail in which a cable attached to a pair of trolley-like vehicles on rails moves them up and down a steep hill, the weight of the ascending and descending vehicles work to counterbalance each other.

The Elevador do Lavra was created by Portuguese engineer Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard. Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard was responsible for many similar systems during his time.

The route of the Elevador do Lavra is 188 meters long with an average slope of around 23%. There is a slim staircase/walkway on both sides of the track. I did not ride the Elevador do Lavra, but I took a walk up the stairs to see where it went. After a bit of walking I realized how important the funicular system was to people who lived nearby. Walking the steep incline of the hills would be a tremendous difficulty on a daily basis (although it would put you in great physical shape!). For those with handicap disabilities, these elevators are crucial for transportation around the city.

Thanks for reading!