The industrial-age iron tracery of the Santa Justa lift - sometimes called the Elevador do Carmo - is one of Lisbon's most beloved landmarks but became a national monument only in 2002. It was built by Portuguese-born Eiffel disciple Raul Mesnier de Ponsard, and officially opened in August 1901. It links downtown Rua do Ouro with the square next to the Carmo church up above, via a 15m viaduct. On the top floor, up a spiral staircase, a viewing platform offers 360º views. The Elevador is part of the public transport system, so if you have a payment card a one-way trip is equivalent to a bus journey; on board only pricey return tickets are on sale. For a budget alternative view, head for department store Pollux, whose top-floor café also has cheap coffee.
