Elevador Lacerda, Public elevator in Cidade Alta, Brazil.
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Salvador).
Brazilian architectural heritage reflects centuries of history, from colonial fortifications to contemporary structures. In São Paulo, the Flag Monument pays tribute to colonial expeditions, while in Belém, the Peace Theater recalls the prosperity of the rubber era. In Curitiba, the Oscar Niemeyer...
Mercado Modelo
171 m
Municipal Chamber of Salvador
100 m
Fonte da Rampa do Mercado
129 m
Palácio Tomé de Sousa
74 m
Chapel of Our Lady of Help
197 m
Sobrado Azulejado
125 m
Church and Santa Casa da Misericórdia
134 m
House of Carnival
173 m
Edifício da Associação dos Empregados no Comércio da Bahia
124 m
Capela de São Pedro Gonçalves do Corpo Santo
100 m
Memorial dos Governadores Republicanos da Bahia
88 m
Cruz Caída
183 m
Museum of Brazilian Music
129 m
Building of the Municipal Chamber of Salvador
100 m
Monumento ao Visconde de Cairu
92 m
Museu da Misericórdia
139 m
Cultural Center of the Municipality of Salvador
77 m
Antonio Carlos Magalhães Institute
129 m
Memorial of the Baianas
139 m
Edifício Otacílio Gualberto
184 m
Caridade
134 mMemorial da Câmara Municipal de Salvador
39 m
Biblioteca Abílio Silva Lima
174 mMonumento a Luís Dias
80 mBusto do Almirante Barroso
210 mBusto de Pedro de Frontin
198 mBust, Work of art
186 mBust, Work of art
222 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes