The disaster of Guindais elevator in Porto

When we take Guindais elevator in Porto, we hardly suspect that it is where two massive disasters took place, one of…

Sara Riobom
24 de May de 2016

When we take Guindais elevator in Porto, we hardly suspect that it is where two massive disasters took place, one of which culminated in human deaths.

As it is an interesting topic I made a video about the most recent accident, which you can see here. About the other accident, which was truly tragic, you can find out more by reading this article 🙂

Here’s the video:

Guindais elevator in Porto opened in 1891, in order to connect Ribeira, where the rabelo boats carrying Port wine arrived, to Batalha, a central neighbourhood and where there is road access to other Northern cities of Portugal.

ELEVADOR DOS GUINDAIS
Picture of the First Guindais’ funicular.
Arquivo HistĂłrico da CMP.

Guindais elevator had capacity for 40 passengers and small packages, so it was widely used by street vendors during the day, and by gentleman on their way to cafes and theaters, at night.
In 1893, there was a serious accident caused by human mistake, resulting in the derailment of one of the vehicles, which slid down the slope almost until the beginning of the lower deck of D. Luis I bridge. Even though the accident didn’t cause deaths, the City Hall of Porto suspended its use. Guindais’ funicular was only rehabilitated under Porto 2001 – European Capital of Culture.

What most people don’t know is that there was another disaster, also in Guindais but before the construction of the elevator, which caused several deaths.

On January 27th, 1879, a huge rock collapsed. On the top of the rock there was a house which, due to the imminent danger, was already being demolished under the rules of the City Hall of Porto. Unfortunately, the demolition work was not finished; the soil turned itself into dust, destroying not only the house but three adjacent buildings, and carrying with it the lives of 4 or 5 people.

IMG_20160302_151443
Painting by J. J. Pinto, portraying the fire after the collapse of the rock and the buildings. Published, at that time, on the magazine “O Occidente”.

Fortunately, today all safety conditions are in place so that we can fully enjoy a ride on Guindais elevator in Porto. Let’s go! 🙂

Note: The cover photo was taken by Diogo Delso.

Save this article for later:

guindais funicular porto
guindais funicular disaster

Related tours

Off the beaten path tour of Porto
Explore the iconic neighborhood locals love and tourists never find.
From 270€ (2 people)
Check Tour
Half Day private tour in Porto (4h)
Behind-the-scenes access to Porto's well kept secrets.
From 290€ (2 people)
Check Tour
Full Day private tour in Porto (7h)
The most exclusive wine lodge in Porto is waiting for you.
From 420€ (2 people)
Check Tour
Private Jewish Heritage tour of Porto
Discover the hidden treasures of the Jewish history in Porto.
From 270€ (2 people)
Check Tour
Private Wine tour in the Douro valley
Exclusive tour of family-owned wineries and hidden culinary gems.
From 620€ (2 people)
Check Tour
River cruise and wine tour in Douro Valley
Enjoy award-winning wines, authentic Portuguese cuisine and amazing river views.
From 620€ (2 people)
Check Tour

Related articles

Afurada, the magic fishermen village just across Porto

Afurada is a wonderful fishermen village just outside Porto which is still not damaged by tourism. I would not recommend…

Sara Riobom
25 de July de 2016
Romantic things to do in Porto: a local’s ideas

What better goal as a couple than discovering a city together?If you are on a romantic getaway, the first thing…

Sara Riobom
9 de October de 2023
The most romantic restaurants in Porto

It is not very easy to pick the most romantic restaurants in Porto.Downtown Porto is bustling with life, with restaurants…

Sara Riobom
9 de February de 2019
Half Day private tour in Porto (4h)
Check Tour
FECHAR