Miradouro de Santa Luzia — Attraction in Lisbon

The hills of Lisbon have always presented a problem for travel between the lower streets of the main Baixa and the higher Largo do Carmo (Carmo Square).,1] In order to facilitate the movement between the two, the civil and military engineer Roberto Arménio presented a project to the Lisbon municipal council in 1874.[2] A similar project was suggested in 1876, that included rail-lines that would be pulled by animals up an inclined plane.

In May 1882 founder and representative of the Companhia dos Ascensores Mecânicos de Lisboa, Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard,[2]petitioned the city council for permission to explore alternative plans for constructing an inclined transport moved by mechanical means. On 1 June 1882, Mesnier, a Porto-born engineer of French parentage, was granted a licence to proceed.

In 1896 Mesnier petitioned for the concession of this project, in order to establish the Escadinhas de Santa Justa, a request that was contested by Henry Lusseau. At the same time, the Serviços de Obras da Câmara(Municipal Public Services) supported Mesnier's petition, and the concession to authorize the construction and exploration of the Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard Elevator was approved.[3 It took two years to receive a provisional license to construct the structure. In 1899, the Empresa do Elevador do Carmo(Company of the Elevator of Carmo) was founded (constituted by principal partners Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, medical surgeon João Silvestre de Almeida and the Marquess of Praia e Monforte, António Borges de Medeiros Dias da Câmara e Sousa) in order to secure the permanent concession of the elevator project for a period of 99 years.2

In 1900, the formal contract was signed between the Municipal Council of Lisbon and the Empresa do Elevador do Carmo (extinct in 1939), on which the working group was obligated to present a project for an elevator in a period of six months;3] planning on the construction had already begun with the Lisbon branch of the metal constructors Cardoso D'Argent & Cia. (founded in 1897), on Rua Da Junqueira.[2] The founder, Manuel Cardoso, had already been placed in charge of the offices of firm Empresa Industrial Portuguesa and was responsible for the workers in the Elevador de Santa Justa project. By the middle of the year, the land that would be the main site was already in movement, establishing the footings and equipment house (2 June of the same year).[2

On 31 August 1901, King Carlos inaugurated the metal bridge and awning,[4] in a ceremony that included members of the royal family, the members of the elevator company, Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, and various members of the nobility and journalists.[2] Its initial operation was delayed: the operating car was only inaugurated in 1902[3] in the presence of the managing director of the concessionary company, Dr. Silvestre de Almeida, accompanied by journalists and other invited guests, in a ceremony presided over by the Secretary-General of the...

To get to the observation terrace of Miradouro de Santa Luzia will take you about 5 or 6 minutes' walk, climbing uphill, from the Lisbon Cathedral. Even though Miradouro de Santa Luzia offers a tad less of advantageous point of view than the next observation terrace of Miradouro das Portas do Sol, a few steps up the hill, with the former offering somewhat more obstructed views compared to the latter, Miradouro de Santa Luzia is a cozier and more inviting place due to its beautiful garden laid out in several succeeding levels, azalea trees, ample seating arrangements, some protected by pergola-type of roofing, and exciting wall panels, the traditional Portuguese blue murals called "azulejos". Some web resources will tell you that the tile panels are located on an outside wall of the church, one depicting Comercio Square before the earthquake, and another showing Christians attacking St. George's Castle in 1147. That's a bit misleading. While one of the murals, portraying the milestone of the Portuguese history of "Reconquista" (freeing the Iberian peninsula from the Moorish occupancy), the 1147 Siege of Lisbon, is indeed located on the outside wall of Igreja (Church) de Santa Luzia (the original church location dates back to the times following the 1147 Siege of Lisbon whereas the current building is of the XVIII-th century), the second "azulejo" mural, that of the Praça do Comércio as it looked before the 1755 earthquake, called back then Terreiro do Paço, after the magnificent riverside palace razed off the face of earth during the earthquake) is located on the other, down the hill, boundary of Miradouro de Santa Luzia. There is a small cafe on the premises as well as the restrooms (to get to the restrooms, walk a few steps up the hill, corner the church, and take the steps down). Luckily, both observation terraces, Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol, are spaced within 45 seconds' walk from each other, there is no need to choose, and one can enjoy both during the same...

Miradouro de Santa Luzia is a hidden gem that offers panoramic views and a peaceful retreat from the busy streets below. As you make your way to the viewpoint, you hear soothing sounds of fountains and smell sweet blooming flowers, creating a sense of serenity and tranquility.

The highlight of Miradouro de Santa Luzia is undoubtedly its breathtaking views of the historic Alfama district and the Tagus River. From this vantage point, you can view the red-tiled roofs of the old buildings, the winding cobblestone streets, and the majestic dome of the National Pantheon in the distance. The view captures the essence of Lisbon's rich history and vibrant culture, offering a glimpse into the heart of the city.

The garden at Miradouro de Santa Luzia is an oasis of greenery, with plants, colorful tiles, and intricate mosaics that add to the beauty of the surroundings. It is a perfect spot to relax and unwind, whether you choose to sit on one of the shaded benches, stroll along the winding pathways, or simply admire the stunning views. You can also grab a drink from the patio upstairs.

In addition to its natural beauty and panoramic vistas, Miradouro de Santa Luzia also boasts a charming terrace adorned with traditional Portuguese azulejos (tiles), depicting scenes from Lisbon's history and culture. These decorative tiles add a touch of authenticity and charm to the viewpoint, making it a unique and memorable destination for visitors.

Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or simply a traveler seeking a peaceful retreat with stunning views, Miradouro de Santa Luzia offers something for everyone. It is a place where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Lisbon, soak in the atmosphere of the city, and create lasting memories of your visit to this...