Elevador do Lavra
The Ascensor do Lavra—also called the Elevador do Lavra—is Lisbon’s oldest funicular, opened in 1884 and kept in near-continuous service for 142 years. This 188-metre line links Largo da Anunciada with Rua Câmara Pestana across the parishes of Santo António and Arroios, climbing an average grade of 22.9%. The system is built around balance: two cars move in opposite directions, so the heavier descent helps pull the ascent. Each vehicle runs on 900 mm gauge track with a central slot for the cable connection. The cars were constructed by the German engineering firm Maschinenfabrik Esslingen, and they echo the earlier Ascensor da Glória with a steel base, wood interior, and long benches along steel sidewalls. Engineer Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard designed the railway, which opened on April 19, 1884, originally as a water-balance funicular. After a year it switched to steam power, and in 1915 it was electrified. …
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