Santa Justa Lift, Lisbon

09/10/2026

The Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa) is a tall iron lift in the Baixa district, in the centre of Lisbon. It was opened in 1902 to connect the low streets of the Baixa with the higher Chiado and Carmo area, because Lisbon is a city of steep hills. The lift was designed by the engineer Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard. It is about 45 metres high and is made of decorated iron in a neo-Gothic style. At first it worked with steam, and later with electricity. Today it is one of the most famous sights in Lisbon and is still part of the city’s public transport.

What to See

The ride itself is short. You travel up in one of two wooden cabins with brass details, which still look much as they did more than 100 years ago. At the top, a walkway leads to Largo do Carmo, near the ruins of the Carmo Convent, which lost its roof in the 1755 earthquake. Above the lift there is a viewing platform with beautiful views over the Baixa, São Jorge Castle, the cathedral and the river. Even if you do not ride the lift, the iron tower is worth seeing from the street below.

How to Get There and Practical Information

The lift stands on Rua de Santa Justa, in the Baixa district, a short walk from Rossio Square and Commerce Square. The nearest metro stations are Baixa-Chiado and Rossio. There is a fee to ride the lift and visit the viewing platform. The ride is included with the Lisboa Card and some public transport passes. The queue at the bottom can be long, especially in summer, so go early or late in the day. You can also reach the top platform on foot from the Carmo area and pay only for the viewpoint.