
Elevador Lacerda
Bahia
The Lacerda Elevator, located in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, is a pioneering urban elevator linking the lower city (Cidade Baixa) with the upper city (Cidade Alta). Constructed between 1869 and 1873 and named after Antônio de Lacerda, it was originally a hydraulic elevator and later electrified in 1906. Standing 72 meters tall, the elevator features two interlinked towers and four cabins, each capable of carrying 27 passengers on a 30-second ride. It serves as both a vital public transport link and a major tourist attraction, offering panoramic views of the Bay of All Saints, Mercado Modelo, and Forte de São Marcelo. The elevator's Art Deco towers, renovated in 1930, contribute to its iconic status. It transports around 900,000 passengers monthly and was declared a Brazilian historical heritage site in 2006. Its unique design and historical importance make it a symbol of Salvador's urban development and cultural identity.
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Consiglio: Visit the Lacerda Elevator during weekdays from 6 AM to 11 PM or weekends and holidays from 7 AM to 10 PM for comfortable access. Tickets are inexpensive, and purchasing in advance is generally not necessary due to frequent service. Early mornings or late evenings offer less crowded rides and better photo opportunities. The elevator provides quick and scenic transport between the Cidade Baixa and Cidade Alta, making it convenient for exploring Salvador's historic sites. Be sure to enjoy the panoramic views from the upper station.
Fatti interessanti
- •At its inauguration in 1873, it was the tallest elevator in the world at 63 meters.
- •In 2019, it set a record by transporting 33,850 passengers in a single day.
- •It carries approximately 900,000 passengers monthly, averaging 28,000 daily.
- •The elevator was originally hydraulic before being electrified in 1906.
- •Its 1930 renovation introduced the Art Deco architectural style seen today.
- •Passengers were once individually weighed to ensure safety limits were not exceeded.
Storia
The Lacerda Elevator was inaugurated on December 8, 1873, as the world's tallest elevator at 63 meters and the first urban elevator globally.
Initially hydraulic, it was electrified in 1906 and underwent significant renovations in 1930, adopting its current Art Deco style and expanding to four cabins.
Subsequent major renovations occurred in the late 1950s, early 1980s, and 1997, modernizing its mechanical and electrical systems.
It has continuously served as a crucial link between Salvador's upper and lower city districts, adapting to growing urban demands and technological advances.
Guida del luogo
Upper City Station (Cidade Alta)
Located at Praça Tomé de Sousa, this station offers access to Salvador's historic center and panoramic views of the Bay of All Saints, Mercado Modelo, and Forte de São Marcelo.
Lower City Station (Cidade Baixa)
Situated at Praça Cairu, this station connects to the city's commercial and financial district, providing easy access to markets and transport links.
Elevator Towers1930
The elevator has two towers: one embedded in the rock slope of Ladeira da Montanha and another more visible tower descending to the lower city. The 1930 Art Deco renovation shaped their current appearance.
Elevator Cabins
Four modernized cabins, each holding 27 passengers, operate electrically with a 30-second transit time between the two city levels.