When, in 80 years of the nineteenth century, was discovered in Braga which was much cheaper than building public elevators floor moaning in pain in the back, other locations in Portugal immediately accepted with enthusiasm to follow this idea, with emphasis on natural Lisbon, capital well this rugged country. In about 20 years, built up no fewer than 14 lifts and about 20 years later, Viana do Castelo inaugurated the latest copy of the elevator group in Portugal's history.
In all there are only eight, among them the oldest, the first being built, the lift of Bom Jesus in Braga, Portugal and pioneer in the Iberian Peninsula. Masterpiece of industrial architecture, today's action by moving against the weight of water, such as when it was opened in March 1882. Perfectly preserved, walking on it makes us feel in the year of its inauguration.
The Braga followed Lisbon, where surely there were already so many people sick of hill! The construction of the lift Lavra, winning the steep sidewalk has brought new vitality. From April 1884 the Lisboetas might feel vain because they already have a lift, also moved against the weight of water and which won a curved path, something considered impossible up to that date.
And as a joy never comes only once in October 1885, the Walk of Glory, also won her a lift. It looks impressive, carrying passengers inside and on the roof, which had banks where the gentlemen sat in the posing of great dignity, stroking their whiskers. One of the most widely used elevators in Lisbon.
After Lisbon, went to Nazareth to use the elevator to solve the important problem of the link to the Site. Solemnly inaugurated in July 1889, was the first elevator to use steam as motive power. Today it is being modernized, the beauty of its route and its carriages, one of the most beautiful elevators Portugal.
The elevator Guindais in Porto was a project of great daring, due to the slope of his career. Using the power of steam, was inaugurated in June 1891, but lasted only two years due to a serious accident. Risen for integration within the Porto 2001 - Capital of Culture, is now a magnificent elevator truly modern, wide and handsome.
The sixth lift of our list is without doubt the nicest lift of Lisbon. She began walking in the characteristic neighborhood of Bica 1892, at the time of the Popular Saints, using the counter weight of water for some time. Small, stepped down, and soon began making blunders, but always regrouped. If that moniker had no owner, and if you could call "the kid Bica.
The Santa Justa elevator, which opened in 1902, was the last elevator to be built in Lisbon. Their cabins are moving vertically, having initially been moved by the force of water vapor. Great, with stunning architecture has become a real ex-libris of Lisbon which everyone likes to admire and use.
The only elevator that this series is not yet centennial, but that goes beyond happily, is the Santa Luzia in Viana do Castelo. Opened in June 1923, had an easy life. He even thought that it would end. But it was resurrected and is now a very nice, modern elevator, and according to the beauty of your route.
Impossible not to recall Raul Mesnier, linked to the construction of all these lifts, except the last one already built after his death.
It is also important to remember that all lifts are in Lisbon and the other rails, their city councils, and to highlight any work of maintenance and preservation developed by these entities.
In issuing this magnificent series of stamps, CTT, surely, to give a great joy to all who are interested in transport, but also to the general public gets to know a little more about our heritage.
Jaime Fragoso de Almeida
Issue Date: 2010/05/17
Design: Atelier Whitestudio / Eduardo Aires
