The Glória Funicular in Lisbon was the scene of a tragic incident: the vehicle, due to a cable failure, derailed causing 15 deaths and 18 injuries. The disaster, which occurred on September 3, 2025, left a deep mark on Portugal, which declared a national day of mourning.
Lisbon is a European city built on hills and slopes, and there are experiences not to be missed, such as taking a brief ride on the Glória Funicular. The transport that spares us the effort of a very steep climb seems to have stepped out of a vintage tale and thrusts us into another era. The cable-driven elevator is among the symbols of the Portuguese capital, so much so that it has been recognized as a national monument.
The History of the Gloria Funicular
At the end of the nineteenth century, Lisbon was in full economic boom. On October 24, 1885 the Gloria Funicular project was inaugurated to enter service for the first time. At that time the system operated using hydraulic power, later moving to steam technology until 1915 when electricity was adopted.
The structure is based on a simple and effective principle: two carriages travel on parallel rails, one ascends while the other descends, balancing each other. Even today, this alternating motion retains a special charm that makes you feel part of an ingenious project from a bygone era.
In 2002 it was recognized as a national monument of Portugal, but the interesting thing is that it has managed to evolve over time while remaining current. Think that it has become a symbol of urban art since the exterior walls are often decorated with graffiti and murals that make tourists’ photographs even more evocative. Each year roughly 3 million passengers travel the route to fully experience the city’s soul.
Where the Gloria Funicular Takes You
Exploring Lisbon puts even the most experienced walkers to the test, but with the help of the Gloria Funicular you can cover a demanding stretch in just a few minutes. With a route of 260 meters, it links Praça dos Restauradores in the Baixa district with the Bairro Alto.
The terminus allows us to see the city from above from the Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara, one of the city’s most evocative viewpoints. The panorama embraces the historic center and offers a privileged perspective on some of its most iconic monuments, such as the Castle of São Jorge and the Lisbon Cathedral.
Other Historic Funiculars in Lisbon
The Gloria Funicular is not the only one in the city; there are others:
- Elevador do Lavra. The oldest of the three, opened in 1884. It connects Rua Câmara Pestana with Largo da Anunciada and still preserves an atmosphere of days gone by. It is mostly used by locals and few by tourists, but it remains a true gem to discover;
- Elevador da Bica. The newest with the inauguration in 1892. It runs along Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo, one of the most photographed streets in the city reaching Cais do Sodré, a lively area and a meeting point between tradition and modernity.
