Irregular topography has always been an obstacle to the free circulation of people and goods, as well as a challenge to architects and city designers. Stairs and ramps can be used, but dramatic changes in elevation demand a more extreme approach. Urban elevators have turned out to be an interesting solution and are considered a public means of transportation, like trains, buses, or trams.
Want to know more? Check out our Top 10 examples of urban elevators from around the world: Up we go toward the top floor — oops, we mean, top position!
10. Shanklin Cliff Lift – Isle of Wight, England
Shanklin Cliff Lift
We start off with this lovely elevator/lift located in a popular British seaside destination. Also known as Cliff Lift or Esplanade Lift, Shanklin Cliff Lift has been in operation since the 1960s. It provides alternative transportation to overcome the 45-meter change in level between the cliff path and the esplanade along the beach.
9. Katarina Lift – Stockholm, Sweden
Katarina Lift
Katarina Lift connects Slussen (the lock area) to the heights of Södermalm. However, visitors can only access the platform today, as the elevator has been closed since 2010 due to safety issues. Despite this, we believe Katarina deserves a position in our rank for historic reasons: It’s current structure dates back to 1935, but the original elevator and bridge were built in 1881!
8. Ascenseur des Marolles — Brussels, Belgium
Ascenseur des Marolles
Ascenseur des Marolles links the upper part of the city to the lower. From Brueghel L’Ancien Square, visitors take the lift up to Place Poelaert to enjoy a view of important landmarks of the city, such as the Basilica, the Hotel de Ville, and the Atomium.
7. Oregon City Municipal Elevator – Oregon City, United States
Oregon City Municipal Elevator
The elevator itself is not that pleasing aesthetically, but the flying saucer appearance of the observation deck does give the Oregon City Municipal Elevator a very cool look! Linking two neighborhoods of Oregon City, the elevator is 40 meters high and was built in 1954-55.
6. Ascensor Polanco — Valparaíso, Chile
Ascensor Polanco
Ascensor Polanco was inaugurated in 1916 and connects Simpson street with Polanco Hill. Overcoming a difference in level of about 60 meters, this charming elevator was declared a National Monument of Chile in 1976.
5. Bad Schandau Elevator — Bad Schandau, Germany
Bad Schandau Elevator
This historic elevator of 52 meters links the town of Bad Schandau to the village of Ostrau. It was built in 1904 by Kühnscherf & Söhne (responsible for the lift itself) and Kelle & Hildebrandt (responsible for the amazing art noveau steel framework).
4. Asansör — Izmir, Turkey
Asansör
Asansör (the Turkish word for “lift”) is an elegant elevator that links the coastline to the hillside of Izmir, transporting passengers through the steep cliff. It was built in 1907 and is 51 meters tall.
3. Hammetschwand Elevator – Bürgenstock, Switzerland
Hammetschwand Elevator
Hammetschwand is the highest exterior elevator in Europe, standing at an impressive 153 meters. Located in the famous mountain of Bürgenstock, the lift transports visitors between a stunning rock path and a plateau that overlooks Lake Lucerne and the Alps.
2. Elevador Lacerda — Salvador, Brazil
Elevador Lacerda
Elevador Lacerda was the first urban elevator in the world, inaugurated in 1873. It is 63 meters high and links the upper and lower towns of Salvador, connecting the squares of Cairu and Thomé de Souza. The lift was designed by Augusto Frederico de Lacerda and overlooks All Saints’ Bay — a breathtaking view!
1. Elevador de Santa Justa — Lisbon, Portugal
Elevador de Santa Justa
Also known as Elevador do Carmo, Elevador de Santa Justa was inaugurated in 1902 and links Rua do Ouro and Largo do Carmo. Designed by architect Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, the gorgeous lift is 45 meters high and was decorated in neo-Gothic style.
Urban elevators are a successful solution to difficult terrains, applied all over the world as a vertical transport system. Most of them have become relevant elements within the urban context, turning into popular tourist attractions, as well as holding local historic importance.
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