The Polanco Lift is a passenger elevator located in Valparaíso, Chile. It consists of three stations and connects Simpson Street with Polanco Hill. This lift is the only "true" elevator in the city, as all others are technically funiculars. Today it is more visited by tourists than by the local residents.

Polanco Lift/Elevator
Ascensor Polanco
An image of the Polanco Lift tower
Map
General information
TypeLift
LocationCerro Polanco
Town or cityValparaíso
CountryChile
Coordinates33°03′02″S 71°35′57″W / 33.0506°S 71.5991°W / -33.0506; -71.5991
Openingc. 1913
Technical details
MaterialIron
Design and construction
Architect(s)Federico Page

History edit

 
Entrance tunnel

Construction began in 1913 and concluded in 1915. Inaugurated in 1916, the lift was developed by engineer Federico Page with the assistance of the Easton Lift Company. It was declared a National Monument of Chile in 1976.[1]

Location edit

The lift is located on Polanco Hill. The lower entrance is on Simpson Street. The first station is accessible through a 150-meter (492 ft) tunnel. The lift then ascends to an intermediate station and continues its ascent to the final station at the top of the tower (approximately 60 meters or 197 feet), overlooking the entire city. A bridge connects the top of the tower to nearby streets.[1][2]

External images
Polanco elevator on Google Street View
  View from afar
  Bridge to the upper station
  Entrance at the upper station
  The middle station
  Tunnel to the lower station

See also edit

References edit