The end of the 19th century in the history of Portugal was marked by an unprecedented technical breakthrough and the widespread construction of so-called "elevadors", or lifts as they say today. Along with the world-famous Gustave Eiffel, there was another modest talented engineer, Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, the designer of the first funiculars and lifts in Portugal. Thanks to this unrecognized genius, hilly Lisbon has become a convenient place to live and relax. Unfortunately, not all the works of the Portuguese master have survived to this day. But this only increases their value! Today, every project by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard is considered a National Monument of Portugal, including the famous Santa Justa Lift located in the heart of the capital.

This magnificent architectural monument in the neo-Gothic style was made of cast iron in 1902. The old lift, 45 meters high, was designed for two cabins and was put in motion by a steam engine, which was later replaced by electric motors. Designed for 20 passengers on the ascent and 15 on the descent, the lifts connected the street "Rua do Ouro" and the "Largo do Carmo" (Carmo Square), making it much easier for citizens to walk along the steep slope. Today, the famous Santa Justa Lift still takes locals from one area to another, as well as attracts crowds of curious tourists. Some are fascinated by its centuries-old history and respectable age, others want to enjoy the fantastic panoramic views from the upper platform, and still others hurry to take selfies inside the original interiors of the cabins upholstered in wood and decorated with mirrored panels. Moreover, the Santa Justa Lift is within a stone's throw from the main pedestrian street "Rua Augusta" on one side and the majestic Carmo Convent of the Carmelites with ancient Gothic statues and tombs of the Archaeological Museum on the other.