Elevador da Gloria to Sao Pedro de Alcantara belvedere in Bairro Alto
Riding on Lisbon’s Tram 28 was a glorious experience only closely matched by taking the Elevador da Gloria (Gloria Elevator) from downtown Baixa to Bairro Alto on higher ground.
Elavador da Gloria from the bottom
Elevador da Gloria from the top
The trip on the Elevador da Gloria lasted no more than 4 minutes. It is after all only a 265 metre track with only two stops, one at the bottom and one at the top in Bairro Alto. The tram or more specifically the funicular which has been in operation since 1855, ferries about 3 million passengers each year, the vast majority of whom are tourists to the popular destination of Sao Pedro de Alcantara belvedere.
Sao Pedro de Alcantara belvedere must be where the most romantics in Lisbon hide away. It is a beautiful garden with great views towards Sao Jorge castle and central Lisbon. The views are not as impressive as you will get from the Elevador da Justa but the presence of the garden makes it worthwhile.
For those who fancy some Port wine, Vinho do Porto (Porto Wine Institute) is the place to be where you can sample some wine.
The district in which all these attractions are located is Bairro Alto. Bairro Alto which came into existence in the 16th century is a party district. There are lots of fado houses, bars, restaurants and shops in Bairro Alto. Alongside Alfama, Chiado, Baixa and Belem, this is a must go to district in Lisbon. Do, however, if I may suggest, use the Elevador da Gloria to get up there. The journey up will certainly add charm and an infusion of history to your trip.
[…] its aesthetics. It served a purpose which was to link the lower lying areas of Baixa to the higher Bairro Alto and Chiado districts. It served and still serves the purpose of other elevators in Lisbon, notably […]
[…] most important districts of Lisbon – Belem, Alfama, Chiado and Bairro Alto were all special and charmingly distinct in their own way. Baixa on the other hand is simply at the […]