From the description of Father Manuel de Brito Alão, the descent from Sítio to Ribeira da Pederneira was accomplished by a steep incline, of loose sand.

[1] Much of the nobility that visited the sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré followed this road, seated on "carpets, that were pulled at the corners, along with their servants, safe and composed".

[1] On 28 July 1889, the line was blessed and inaugurated as the funicular of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré, in honour of the Virgin Mary, protector of the town.

[1] Initially, the funicular was moved by a steam-powered machine situated in the area of Sítio, where the promontory overlooking the village led onto a 50 metres (160 ft) tunnel and ramp.

The redesigned cars used a new traction system with an electric transmission that included a three-fold braking mechanism: automatic, hydro-electric pressure and manual.

[1] The funicular is situated in an urban context, inclined along and dug into a steep promontory with a 42% slope connecting the settlements of Praia and Sítio, and provides a notable view of Nazaré.