Opened in 1884, the railway is the oldest funicular in the city.

The 188m-long funicular connects Largo da Anunciada to Rua Câmara Pestana in the parishes of Santo António and Arroios.

The average grade is 22.9% and the railway gauge is 90cm with a central slot for the cable's connection.

The Elevador do Lavra opened on April 19, 1884,[1] and was designed by engineer Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard.

Elevador do Lavra was designated a National Monument in 2002.