Elevador Lacerda, Public elevator in Cidade Alta, Brazil.
Elevador Lacerda is a public elevator linking the upper town and the harbor zone of Salvador, Brazil, housed in two parallel concrete and steel towers. Each tower contains two cabins that carry passengers along a vertical journey of roughly 72 meters (236 feet), bridging steep cliffs that separate the two districts.
The original construction took place between 1869 and 1873, with steam engines powering the hydraulic system at first. In 1906, the facility switched to electric operation, which improved speed and reliability.
The name honors merchant Antônio Lacerda, who supported the first plans for this public connection in the mid-19th century. Today, residents of the lower town use it as a quick commute to work, while vendors operate small stalls on the upper platform.
The facility operates daily from early morning until late afternoon, with trips typically lasting around 30 seconds. Travelers should consider using it on weekdays during late morning or early afternoon to avoid the heaviest crowds.
The four cabins together move more than 30,000 people every day, making this facility one of the most heavily used vertical transport systems in South America. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy a wide view over All Saints Bay, especially in late afternoon when the light brightens the water.
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