Polanco Lift
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 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Lift |
| Location | Cerro Polanco |
| Town or city | Valparaíso |
| Country | Chile |
| Coordinates | 33.0506°S 71.5991°W |
| Opened | c. 1913 |
| Technical details | |
| Material | Iron |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Federico Page |
History
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
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 |
References
- Valparaiso Attractions Guide – retrieved 23 December 2012
- National Monuments of the Central Zone. 12/5/2008 tourismchile.com