Bom Jesus do Monte Funicular (Elevador do Bom Jesus do Monte)
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| A carriage at the top station |
The Bom Jesus do Monte Funicular was the first funicular to be built in the Iberian Peninsula. Indeed, it is the oldest funicular in the world powered by water counterbalancing.
The water balance Bom Jesus funicular in Braga was completed in 1882 after two years of work and is used by those not wishing or unable to climb the 577 stairs to the summit of Bom Jesus.
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| A carriage arriving at the lower station |
History
The funicular was designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard who was also responsible for several funiculars in Lisbon. These are the Ascensor da Glória, the Ascensor da Bica, the Elevador do Lavra and the Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa). He was invited to the capital to work on these projects after the success and popularity of the funicular in Braga. The project in Braga was financed by local businessman Manuel Joaquim Gomes.
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| A carriage leaving the lower station |
The carriages travel 274 metres up the hill, with a 42º incline and a vertical rise of 116 metres.
The wooden carriages have been beautifully restored and the quick ascent is a highlight of a visit to Bom Jesus, especially for children.
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| Bom Jesus do Monte Funicular was the first funicular to be built in the Iberian Peninsula |
Access - Getting There
To get to the lower station visitors need to take a bus from the center of Braga. This stops at the car park opposite the entrance to the funicular.
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| Bom Jesus do Monte Funicular |
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