Elevador da Glória

Description:

• Not an elevator at all but instead a funicular, which translates as "elevador" in Portuguese, the Elevador da Glória connects the Restauradores district of Lisbon with its lofty neighbour, Bairro Alto. This novel mode of transport is a 19th-century invention and is one of three operating in Lisbon. The other two are Elevador do Bica and Elevador do Lavra. Glória was the second to be built and began service in 1885. Today it is the busiest, used as much by residents as curious tourists. Resembling a shortened version of a train carriage, Lisbon's funiculars were formally open-top two-tier cars, propelled along a rail track using a water gravity system. Steam power was later used but after 1915 Glória ran on electricity. Two cars ascend and descend the very steep Calçada da Glória. The journey only takes a few minutes but your legs will appreciate the gesture. Unfortunately, insensitive graffiti artists find some perverse gratification in daubing the vehicles with spray paint overnight and it's rare these days to see one in its original livery. © NileGuide2011
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  These lifts are perfect pathways between between Avenida da Liberdade and Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara. They were built in the 19th century and have been serving the community since 1885. The lift is made up of two cabins that move parallel to the ground. Originally it functioned using hydraulic power, but since 1915 it has run using electricity.
• © wcities.com 2012