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Elevador Lacerda: Salvador's Vertical Icon

Ascend to breathtaking views of Salvador! Experience a ride on one of the world's first urban elevators, connecting history and culture in 30 seconds.

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The Elevador Lacerda, an iconic landmark in Salvador, Brazil, is one of the world's first urban elevators, connecting the Cidade Baixa (lower city) to the Cidade Alta (upper city). Inaugurated in 1873, it provides stunning views of the Baía de Todos os Santos and the historic center. A quick and affordable ride offers both transportation and a visual treat.

A brief summary to Elevador Lacerda

  • Praça Tomé de Souza, S/N, Salvador, Centro, State of Bahia, 40020-000, BR
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Local tips

  • Visit during sunset for stunning views of the city and the bay.
  • Bring your camera—photo opportunities are abundant, especially at the top.
  • Check the elevator's operational hours in advance to avoid disappointment.
  • Explore the surrounding Praça Tomé de Souza for local shops and eateries.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Mercado Modelo for local crafts and souvenirs.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Pelourinho, walk towards the Praça Tomé de Souza, where the upper entrance of Elevador Lacerda is located. The walk is approximately 6 minutes. Enjoy the views from the top before taking the elevator down.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus routes pass near the Elevador Lacerda. Check local transportation authorities for specific bus routes and schedules. The metro is also an option. Take the metro towards the direction of 'Acesso Norte'. Get off at the stations 'Campo da Pólvora' or 'Lapa' and then walk to Praça Tomé de Souza. Bus fare is typically around R$3.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Salvador. Simply input 'Elevador Lacerda' or 'Praça Tomé de Souza' as your destination. Expect to pay between R$20 to R$50 for a ride within Salvador, depending on your starting location. This is a convenient option, especially if you are coming from further away.

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Discover more about Elevador Lacerda

The Elevador Lacerda is more than just a means of transportation; it's a historical and cultural symbol of Salvador. виBuilt between 1869 and 1873, it was named after Antônio de Lacerda, the director of the Commercial Association of Bahia who envisioned the project. Originally called the Elevador da Conceição, it was the first urban elevator in the world and the tallest at the time, standing at 63 meters. Connecting the Praça Cairu in the lower city with the Praça Tomé de Souza in the upper city, the elevator addresses the challenge posed by Salvador's geography, where a significant escarpment separates the upper and lower parts of the city. In its early days, the elevator used a hydraulic system before being converted to electricity in 1906. The Art Deco renovation in 1930 gave the elevator its current appearance, with two towers and four cabins, each capable of carrying up to 27 passengers. A ride on the Elevador Lacerda takes approximately 30 seconds and provides panoramic views of the Baía de Todos os Santos, Mercado Modelo, and Forte de São Marcelo. The elevator has become an integral part of the city, transporting thousands of locals and tourists daily. It is close to other attractions such as the Pelourinho, Prefeitura Municipal, Câmara Municipal, and Palácio Rio Branco. The Elevador Lacerda was listed as a historical heritage site of Brazil by IPHAN on December 7, 2006.

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