Ascensor da Gloria (Gloria Funicular), Lisbon

The Glória Funicular, also known as the Glória Lift, is a historic funicular railway in Lisbon's Santo António parish. Instead of viewing this as merely a tourist attraction, consider it an extraordinary engineering achievement!

The funicular connects Restorers Square in the downtown Pombaline district to the Bairro Alto neighborhood, specifically the Saint Peter of Alcântara Garden and Viewpoint. Operating on a counterweight principle, the system features two partially wooden streetcars linked by a cable, enabling simultaneous ascent and descent. Uniquely, electric motors on the cars, powered by overhead wires, provide traction.

The funicular's history dates back to 1875 when the New Lisbon Mechanical Lift Company received a concession to build it. Construction began in 1882, and the lift opened on 24 October 1885. Initially water-powered, it switched to steam by 1886 and then to electricity in 1915. The original design included two-tiered cars with seating arranged back-to-back on the upper floor and inward-facing benches on the lower.

In 1995, the line's operator proposed its heritage classification, leading to its designation as a National Monument two years later.

The funicular operates on a 17.7% slope of about 900 feet (or 270 meters). The inclined trams are designed for passenger comfort, with longitudinally arranged seats to maintain a level perspective. The tram journey typically lasts about 2-3 minutes, while an on-foot descent along the track takes anywhere between 5 and 8 minutes, depending on one's age and physical stamina.

Whatever you choose, the route will pass through one of Lisbon's finest showcases of neighborhood graffiti, predominantly on the right side (when going uphill), as this built-up 19th-century area is officially dedicated to sanctioned street art. Additionally, it features landmarks like the Foz Palace and the Misericórdia district.

Today, the Glória Funicular remains a cherished piece of Lisbon's history and an entertaining mode of public transportation, particularly for those unfamiliar with the charm of funicular trams. There are excellent photo opportunities from the summit, making it an excellent point for exploring the Bairro Alto neighborhood.