Igreja de Santa Justa
An iconic wrought-iron elevator offering Lisbon views, and a historic church near Coimbra facing preservation challenges.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Igreja de Santa Justa
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic wrought-iron elevator offering Lisbon views, and a historic church near Coimbra facing preservation challenges.
"Skip the Santa Justa Lift queues by accessing the views via Carmo Convent ruins!"
🚶♀️ Skip the Lift Line
Access the Santa Justa Lift's top viewing platform via the Carmo Convent ruins to avoid long queues .
⛪ Church Status Update
Igreja de Santa Justa is currently closed and in disrepair. Check local updates for any restoration news .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Santa Justa Lift Views
Carmo Convent Rooftop Access
Panoramic city vistas without the lift queues. A true Lisbon gem for photographers and sightseers.
Igreja de Santa Justa's Franciscan Charm
Outskirts of Coimbra
A historic Catholic temple with 300 years of history, offering moments for reflection and prayer.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Skip the Line, Find the View
A Church in Need of Love
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Skip the Lift Line
Access the Santa Justa Lift's top viewing platform via the Carmo Convent ruins to avoid long queues.
⛪ Church Status Update
Igreja de Santa Justa is currently closed and in disrepair. Check local updates for any restoration news.
📸 Capture the Cityscape
The Carmo Convent rooftop offers stunning, unobstructed views of Lisbon's skyline.
Santa Justa Lift in Lisbon, Portugal. A stunning ornate wrought iron outdoor elevator built in 1902.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Skip the Lift Line
Access the Santa Justa Lift's top viewing platform via the Carmo Convent ruins to avoid long queues.
⛪ Church Status Update
Igreja de Santa Justa is currently closed and in disrepair. Check local updates for any restoration news.
📸 Capture the Cityscape
The Carmo Convent rooftop offers stunning, unobstructed views of Lisbon's skyline.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Santa Justa Lift is a visually striking landmark offering great city views, though often marred by long queues. The Igreja de Santa Justa, while historically significant and spiritually resonant, is sadly closed and in disrepair, prompting concerns about heritage preservation.
"Baroque church on the outskirts of Coimbra main hotspots."
Philippe Bun
"Monumento em Coimbra de uma beleza extraordinária, a sua essência é o carisma franciscano que nos guia para momentos de reflexão e oração. Recomendo vivamente."
Elvira d' Eça
"The sisters who run it are great 😊"
Jose Frutos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Santa Justa Lift is centrally located in Lisbon. You can reach it by metro to Baixa-Chiado station, followed by a short walk. Alternatively, many buses stop nearby. For access to the viewing platform without the lift queue, head to the Carmo Convent ruins.
Information on public transport to the Igreja de Santa Justa near Coimbra is limited as it's on the outskirts. Driving or taking a taxi from Coimbra's city center is likely the most convenient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a ticket is required to ride the Santa Justa Lift. However, you can access the viewing platform at the top for free by entering through the Carmo Convent ruins, bypassing the ticket line for the lift itself.
Currently, the Igreja de Santa Justa is closed and in ruins, so there is no entrance fee. Its future accessibility and any potential restoration costs are unknown.
The viewing platform at the top of the Santa Justa Lift, accessible via the Carmo Convent, generally follows the hours of the Carmo Convent ruins. It's best to check current hours for the Carmo Convent for the most up-to-date information.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo is of the lift itself. For stunning cityscapes, head to the viewing platform at the top, especially during golden hour. The Carmo Convent ruins also offer unique photographic opportunities.
As the Igreja de Santa Justa is currently closed and in disrepair, photography inside is not possible. Its historical architecture would have made for compelling shots if it were accessible.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While the Igreja de Santa Justa is currently inaccessible due to its dilapidated state, its historical significance suggests it would have been a compelling subject for architectural photography. Its Franciscan essence and 300-year history hint at a beauty that, if restored, could offer unique photographic narratives. Keep an eye on local news for any potential restoration efforts that might reopen this site for exploration and documentation.
💰 Budget Travelers
For the Igreja de Santa Justa, the current situation means there's no cost to visit, as it's closed and in ruins. While this is unfortunate from a heritage perspective, it means there's no admission fee. If you're exploring the Coimbra region and are interested in historical sites, you might still be able to view the exterior and appreciate its historical context from the outside, though access is not possible.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Santa Justa Lift Experience
However, a common piece of advice from travelers is to be prepared for significant queues, especially during peak tourist seasons. A popular local hack is to bypass the lift line altogether by accessing the viewing platform from the Carmo Convent ruins (Convento do Carmo). This route offers the same stunning vistas without the wait and often at no cost, making it a favorite tip shared on travel forums.
When visiting, consider the time of day. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light for photography and potentially fewer crowds. While the lift ride itself is a novelty, the true reward for many is the expansive view over Lisbon's terracotta rooftops, the Tagus River, and São Jorge Castle.
The Uncertain Future of Igreja de Santa Justa
Unfortunately, recent accounts paint a somber picture. The church is reported to be closed indefinitely and in a state of ruin. This sad situation highlights concerns about the preservation of historical heritage and the potential for private initiatives to step in for restoration and job creation.
Despite its current condition, the church holds significant historical and spiritual value. It is in urgent need of renovation, but there seems to be a lack of awareness or action regarding its upkeep.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit