Ascensor de Begoña, Public elevator in central Bilbao, Spain.
Ascensor de Begoña is a concrete elevator structure in Bilbao that rises 45 meters high and was designed to connect different parts of the city. A pedestrian bridge at the top leads to a viewing point where visitors can look out over the surrounding streets.
Rafael Fontán built this elevator in 1943 to connect the Begoña neighborhood with Bilbao's Old Town through Esperanza Street. The project was completed during the postwar reconstruction period when the city was being rebuilt.
The building displays the angular lines and raw surfaces typical of postwar concrete architecture. When you walk around it, you notice how this style shaped the appearance of the neighborhood during that era.
The structure is no longer in operation but can be viewed from the outside to appreciate its architecture and design. The area is easily accessible by public transportation, and the location offers good walking paths for visitors exploring different neighborhoods.
The structure drew design inspiration from early Swiss elevator systems and introduced modern engineering concepts to northern Spain. This connection to international models makes it a fascinating example of how technical knowledge was exchanged across Europe at that time.
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