The Lisbon Connection

The unique funicular Elevador da Glória, makes the connection between Restauradores and Bairro Alto on a 265 metres journey (up or down the hill) to the viewpoint Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara with magnificent views on the Castelo de São Jorge.

The Glória funicular was opened in 1885 and in February 2002 it was classified as a national monument. It was the second of its kind in Lisbon, thanks to the initiative of the New Lisbon Mechanical Lift Company (Nova Companhia dos Ascensores Mecânicos de Lisboa – N.C.A.M.L.). This company specialised in the building and running of urban transport on sloping terrain. The first of its lifts was the Lavra, opened the year before, and Bica. All are operated by Carris, (including timetables and funicular’s history) the Lisbon city transport undertaking.

Maria Givencho likes her job. The funicular’s operating hours are 0700-0055 every day. One way ticket € 1.40.

The story of the Glória funicular can be traced back to 1875, when the Lisbon City Council gave the rights to two individuals to set up a form of transport on sloping terrain in the Calçada da Glória. The construction projects, however, were never approved and time slipped by. Finally the funicular opened to the public on 24 October 1885, with the pomp and circumstance typical of the time – a host of guests, fireworks, music and much cheering and hooraying. More…

The Glória funicular, Calçada da Glória, near Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara, close to one of the many entrances to Bairro alto. When you go out of the funicular you will find on the right side the viewpoint Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.

Viewpoint Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. This wonderful belvedere will give you a unique insight into the city. It is rather quiet during the day, but it completely changes at night when young people seek fun and action in the Bairro Alto.

Viewpoint Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara with magnificent views on the Castelo de São Jorge. and the Graça area. The view from this small garden is (for me)the best in the city.

Just a stone’s throw away lies Instituto do Vinho do Porto, at Rua de Sao Pedro de Alcântara nos. 39-49, where a range of port wines may be tasted and purchased (open from 12:00 – 24:00). When I came in, the service was very slow, but after 10 minutes a waiter saw me…… You can order by the glass or bottle.

Instituto do Vinho do Porto on the ground floor of the former Palace Palácio Ludovice. 1749 is the year in which this elegeant building was completed by his architect and owner Johann Friedrich Ludwig (1673-1752).

Instituto do Vinho do Porto

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