There are a several funicular railways in Portugal. Three of them are located in Lisbon (don’t confuse with lifts) but more interesting are funicular in several other Portuguese cities. Most scenic is funicular in Nazare. Funiculars operate all year round.
Ascensor do Lavra (Lisbon) – the Ascensor do Lavra is the oldest funicular railway in Lisbon. It has been in operation almost continuously since April 19, 1884, connecting Largo da Anunciada with Travessa do Forno do Torel. The length of the route is 180 meters, and the ride takes only 2 minutes. The route is adorned with street art murals. The funicular was designed by engineer Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard. At present, it is owned and operated by Carris.
Ascensor de Glória (Lisbon) – the funicular was opened just one year later that Ascensor de Lavra on October 24, 1885. The funicular connects Praça dos Restauradores square with Bairro Alto. At the end station, there is another attraction awaiting tourists – an observation deck. The length of the route is 265 meters. Traction is provided by electric motors on the two cars, which are themselves powered through an overhead wire. The funicular includes two cars that operate parallel along two axes, that descend and climb simultaneously.
Ascensor da Bica (Lisbon) – the funicular railway was put into operation in 1892. It is considered the most picturesque funicular in Lisbon and is crowded with tourists in the summer. It covers a distance of 245 meters, and there are tram stops at both the lower and upper stations of the funicular, with many tourist attractions nearby. It is operated by Carris.
Bom Jesus do Monte Funicular (Braga) – one of most popular tourist attractions in Braga is the Bom Jesus de Monte sanctuary, located on a hill in the village of Tenões, 5 kilometers from the city center. The sanctuary can be reached from the center of Braga by city bus No. 2. Further options include climbing stairs or taking the funicular railway, built in 1882. The length of the route is 274 meters, with a length difference of 116 meters. The funicular uses two parallel 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge tracks, each with its own tram and central rack, laid on wooden sleepers over stone ballast.
Funicular de Los Guindais (Porto) – the funicular railway, inaugurated in 2004, follows a route where a similar railway operated between 1891 and 1893. The length of the route is 281 meters, with a journey time of about 3 minutes. Each car can carry 25 people. The funicular operates daily and is part of the city’s public transportation system. The funicular is primarily intended for residents of Porto and is not one of the most popular tourist attractions. The funicular is situated along the wall of Freiras, running down a steep cliff between the quay at Guindais and Rua da Batalha. It is owned and operated by Porto Metro.
Funicular de Nazaré – an interesting and scenic funicular railway is located in the town of Nazaré, also known as the “Ascensor de Nazaré. The funicular was nuilt at the end of the 19th century. It continues to operate today, with a break between 1963 and 1968. The current length of the tracks is 318 meters, and passengers are mainly transported by new wagons, although historic carriages also run occasionally. The journey takes 3 minutes, and the funicular can carry up to 60 passengers at a time. From the hill where the upper station of the funicular is located, there is a panoramic view of the town and the ocean. Nazaré is not served by trains; the nearest railway station is Valado, about 8 kilometers from the town. Slope is 42%. The funicular was modernized in 2001.
Elevador de Santa Luzia (Viana do Castelo) – the funicular connects the city center of Viana do Castelo with the main attraction of the city – the Santa Luzia hill, where the church and an observation point overlooking the surroundings are located. The operation of the funicular dates back to July 2, 1923. From 2001 to 2005, the future of the funicular was uncertain, but after renovation, it continues to operate to this day, although many people choose to climb the hill by stairs. During the summer season, rides are available every 15 minutes, and the length of the route is 650 meters.
Funicular in Viseu – the least known funicular railway in Portugal. It was inaugurated in September 2009 and operates in the not popular city of Viseu, which is not served by trains (the nearest railway station is in Coimbra). The funicular connects the Sé de Viseu station with Feira de S. Mateus. The journey along the 400-meter route takes 5 minutes. The incline is 16%. As stated by the Viseu tourist information website, the ride is free of charge.
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