Elevador Lacerda: Salvador's Vertical Landmark

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Ascend to breathtaking views of Salvador from this historic elevator connecting the upper and lower cities.

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Elevador Lacerda

The Elevador Lacerda is a prominent urban elevator in Salvador, Brazil, connecting the Cidade Baixa (lower city) to the Cidade Alta (upper city). Inaugurated in 1873, it was one of the first urban elevators in the world and offers stunning views of the Baía de Todos os Santos (All Saints Bay).

A brief summary to Elevador Lacerda

Praça Tomé de Souza, S/N, Salvador, Centro, State of Bahia, 40020-000, BR
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From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit during sunset for magical views as the sky transforms with warm hues over the city.
Explore the nearby Mercado Modelo for Bahian crafts, souvenirs, and local foods.
Take time to wander through Praça Tomé de Souza, located at the top of the elevator, to enjoy the gardens and soak in the local culture.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Mercado Modelo, walk towards the main street and head to Praça da Sé. Continue to Praça Tomé de Souza, where the Elevador Lacerda is easily visible. From the Pelourinho area, walk down Rua da Misericórdia towards Praça da Sé. Continue to Avenida Joana Angélica until you reach Praça Tomé de Souza. The Elevador Lacerda will be in front of you.
Public Transport

From the central bus terminal (Rodoviária), take bus line 1003 (Circular Centro) to Praça da Sé. From there, walk to Praça Tomé de Souza, about a 5-minute walk. The Elevador Lacerda is visible from the square. If near the Metrô station at Lapa, take the metro towards 'Acesso Norte' and get off at Campo da Pólvora or Lapa station. Walk to Praça Tomé de Souza, where the Elevador Lacerda is a prominent landmark.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Salvador. Simply enter 'Praça Tomé de Souza' as your destination. A ride within Salvador typically costs between R$20 to R$50. Note: Traffic can be heavy depending on the time of day.

Discover more about Elevador Lacerda

The Elevador Lacerda is more than just a functional transportation system; it's a historical landmark and a symbol of Salvador. Since 1873, the elevator has bridged the gap between the lower commercial district and the upper historical center, which includes Pelourinho.The elevator's construction was a response to Salvador's challenging geography, which is divided by a large escarpment. Originally, the only options for traversing between the upper and lower cities were long flights of stairs or poorly paved hillsides. The Elevador Lacerda revolutionized urban mobility in Salvador, overcoming the geographical challenge that divided the city.The current art deco facade dates back to a 1930 renovation. Today, the Elevador Lacerda has four lifts that can carry 27 passengers each on a quick, 30-second ride. From the top of the elevator, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the bay, Mercado Modelo, and Forte de São Marcelo. The top of the elevator leads to the Praça Tomé de Souza, a charming square with gardens, historical sites, restaurants and shops.