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Elevador do Lavra
Calçada do LavraAbout
One of three 19th-century funiculars that operate in Lisbon, these wonderfully nostalgic modes of transport should not be mistaken for lifts. Funicular translates as "elevador" in Portuguese. Elevador do Lavra is the oldest of the three and began operation in 1885. These days it's powered by an electric motor but it used to run on steam. Before that it was propelled by cog-rail and cable, with a water counterweight. The sunflower-hued cars run on a track between Rua de São José in Restauradores and Rua Câmara Pestana, up in Campo de Santa – handy for the Miradouro do Torel viewpoint. Out of the three, this is probably the least known of Lisbon's funiculars, and also its least used. But it's worth investing in the short ride to the top of the hill to explore an area of the city often overlooked by the guidebooks. © NileGuide2011 The Lavra Elevator is one of the oldest elevators in Lisbon, as it was built in 1884. The elevator is used by the people of Lisbon when they have to get to the centre of the city. The Elevator da Lavra runs through Rua de São José and Portas de Santo Antão, near Avenida de Liberdade and Rua Camilo Pestana.
