Not Eiffel's work
People often credit Gustave Eiffel, but the lift was designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, an engineer born in Porto who is often described as Eiffel's disciple.
Urban Tales › Lisbon › Santa Justa Lift
Santa Justa Lift: the history, and the iron tower that isn't by Eiffel
A neo-Gothic iron tower that lifts you from the Baixa up to Largo do Carmo. Here's what you're looking at, and what to listen for when you get there.
Opened1902
DesignerRaoul Mesnier du Ponsard
Steam until1907
Styleneo-Gothic iron
Hear the Santa Justa Lift story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
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Steam, then electricity
It opened in 1902 running on steam and switched to electricity in 1907.
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A shortcut up the hill
The lift was built to save Lisboetas the steep climb from the Baixa to the Carmo; a walkway at the top still leads straight to Largo do Carmo.
TipThe queue at the bottom can be long; you can walk up to Largo do Carmo instead and reach the top viewing platform from there. With Urban Tales running, the lift's story plays as you walk down Rua de Santa Justa.
Nearby landmarks
Santa Justa Lift: common questions
Who designed the Santa Justa Lift?
Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, an engineer born in Porto; it's often wrongly attributed to Gustave Eiffel.
When did the Santa Justa Lift open?
In 1902. It ran on steam until it was electrified in 1907.
Can you reach the top of the Santa Justa Lift without the queue?
Yes, by walking up to Largo do Carmo and crossing the walkway to the upper platform.