21/06/11

During our little trip to Portugal, we took a ride upon the Santa Justa Elevator. It was built at the turn of the century by the apprentice of the man who built the Eiffel Tower, hence the similarities to the tower of Paris.

After a small wonky ride, we climbed the last of the stairs to the top, which had the most splendid views of the city.

We looked back at 'Castelo de Sao Jorge' that we had only visited a couple of days earlier. 

Rossio Square is the heart of the city and the most liveliest squares downtown. On either side of the square are two baroque fountains and in the centre is a monument that is 27 mtrs high. Atop of the pedestal is a statue of King Dom Pedro IV and below him are 4 marble female figures of Justice, Wisdom, Strength and Moderation, qualities attributed to the King himself.
In the 19th century the square was paved with cobblestones in wave patterns, but the square itself has been there since the Middle Ages and has seen everything from celebrations to bullfights to excecutions. Rossio Square is now the main 'meeting point' for locals and tourists.

For only a couple of euros, the Santa Justa Elevator will give you a look of many delightful scenes of such a busy, non stop city.