A wrought-iron neo-Gothic elevator rising 45 metres from the Baixa to the Carmo neighbourhood above, completed in 1902 and still in daily use. The structure is absurdly ornate for what is essentially a lift to save pedestrians a steep climb: columns of riveted iron, decorative arches, a viewing platform at the top, and a cafe.
The upper platform connects by a walkway to the ruins of the Carmo Convent. The view from the top — Baixa's grid below, the Alfama rising to the castle, the Tagus beyond — is worth the ticket price and the queue. If you have a transit card (Viva Viagem), the lift is included; otherwise buy a single ticket at the bottom. Queues are worst mid-morning to mid-afternoon.