Elevador Lacerda, Reconcavo Travel Guide

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Ascend to breathtaking views and connect with Salvador's history on the iconic Elevador Lacerda, linking the upper and lower cities since 1873.

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Elevador Lacerda

The Elevador Lacerda is a prominent urban elevator in Salvador, Brazil, seamlessly connecting the Cidade Baixa (lower city) and Cidade Alta (upper city). Inaugurated in 1873, this iconic landmark offers not just transportation but also stunning panoramic views of the Baía de Todos os Santos (All Saints Bay) and the surrounding cityscape.

A brief summary to Elevador Lacerda

Praça Tomé de Souza, S/N, Salvador, Centro, State of Bahia, 40020-000, BR
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Monday 6 am-11 pm
Tuesday 6 am-11 pm
Wednesday 6 am-11 pm
Thursday 6 am-11 pm
Friday 6 am-11 pm
Saturday 7 am-10 pm
Sunday 7 am-10 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Elevador Lacerda.

Ride during off-peak hours to avoid long queues and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Visit the Mercado Modelo in the lower city for local crafts and souvenirs.
Explore the Pelourinho in the upper city, a UNESCO World Heritage site with colorful colonial architecture.
Take photos from the top of the elevator for panoramic views of the Baía de Todos os Santos.
Check the elevator's operational status, as hours may vary.

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Explore Elevador Lacerda on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Elevador Lacerda, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Praça Tomé de Souza (Cidade Alta): The Elevador Lacerda is located directly on Praça Tomé de Souza. Simply walk towards the edge of the square overlooking the lower city; the elevator entrance is easily visible. No cost is involved for walking to the elevator entrance.
Public Transport

From various points in Salvador, take a bus towards the city center (Centro). Look for buses that pass through or near the Comércio area. Get off at a bus stop close to the Mercado Modelo. From there, the Elevador Lacerda is a short walk away. Alternatively, ride the Metro Line 1 and disembark at the Estação da Lapa. Transfer to a connecting bus that will take you to the vicinity of Elevador Lacerda. Bus fares are typically around R$3.50. The elevator itself costs R$0.15.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Salvador. Simply input 'Elevador Lacerda' or 'Praça Tomé de Souza' as your destination. The cost will vary depending on your starting location, but expect to pay between R$20 to R$50 for a ride within Salvador. The elevator itself costs R$0.15.

Discover more about Elevador Lacerda

The Elevador Lacerda stands as a testament to Salvador's unique geography and innovative spirit. Since the city's early days, the steep escarpment separating the upper and lower districts posed a significant challenge to transportation. Originally, goods were hauled by cranes and people navigated steep, poorly paved hillsides. The Elevador Lacerda emerged as a solution, becoming the world's first urban elevator.Named after Antônio de Lacerda, the visionary behind the project, the elevator first opened as the Elevador Hidráulico da Conceição on December 8, 1873. Initially, it used a hydraulic system before converting to electricity in 1906. In 1930, the elevator underwent renovations, gaining its current Art Deco facade. Today, the 72-meter structure has two towers, four lifts, and transports passengers between Praça Tomé de Souza in the upper city and Praça Cairu in the lower city.More than just a mode of transport, the Elevador Lacerda is a historical and cultural symbol of Salvador. It provides access to key landmarks. In the Cidade Alta, visitors can explore the Pelourinho, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colonial architecture and Afro-Brazilian heritage. In the Cidade Baixa, the Mercado Modelo offers a vibrant marketplace experience. A ride on the Elevador Lacerda provides a unique perspective on Salvador's history, culture, and urban landscape.