Carris celebrates its 150th anniversary on the 18th of September. Over these 150 years, Carris has continuously evolved to accompany the changes in the city and the life of its population.

To mark its 150th anniversary, CARRIS will carry out a series of initiatives, including the installation of the public artwork by the artist Bordalo II in an old tram, “Lighted Crows 2022”, which will be on exhibited at Terreiro do Paço from the 16th September, from 9 pm.

On September 17, the “Carris Museum Classics Parade” will be held, at 11 am and 4 pm.

This annual parade, which is already part of the city's tradition, will link the Carris Museum, in Alcântara, to Praça da Figueira, where the Banda da Carris will also perform.

Also in Praça da Figueira, an exhibition of 15 panels will be inaugurated, illustrating the history and evolution of Carris and its contribution to the city of Lisbon.

Lisboa: on rails for 150 years

Known as the city of the seven hills, Lisboa has much to see and discover. The best way to do it is on foot or by public transportation. For those who are visiting or to make moving around easier for those who live in it, the capital offers several means of transportation from other times but which were perpetuated until today, having become true ex-libris. We are talking about the trams and funiculars which bring hundreds of people to all the corners of Lisboa every day.

The Companhia dos Carris de Ferro de Lisboa, today known as Carris (rails), was founded 150 years ago and at the time (1872) aimed to implement a transportation system with animal-drawn carriages which moved on rails. In 1873, the first "American" line was inaugurated. "American" was the name given to this means for transportation which already existed in the United States.

With the arrival of the 20th century, animal traction was replaced by an electrical system. The first track was built between Santa Apolónia and Santos and in the following years other lines were developed.

Nowadays, this network covers 31 kilometres every day, passing through residential areas and landmarks. Some examples are the 12E line, which goes around Saint George's Castle and stops at several viewpoints, such as the ones at Portas do Sol or Santa Luzia. It takes passengers from Mouraria to Alfama, going past the Lisbon Cathedral and ending its journey at Martim Moniz. The 15E, the oldest and nowadays the most modern line, makes its route along the riverside. It goes past Praça do Comércio, Santos, passes in front of the Jerónimos Monastery and takes the passengers until the Aquarium Vasco da Gama. The 18E tram transports passengers from Cais do Sodré until Alto da Ajuda, going past the Royal Treasure Museum at Palácio da Ajuda. The 24E, which track was reopened in 2018, starts its journey at Bairro Alto, goes past Príncipe Real and Amoreiras and ends at Campolide. The 25E, on the other hand, starts at Praça da Figueira, at Rossio, goes past the Estrela Basilica and finishes its route at Campo de Ourique.

But the tram is not the only way to move around Lisboa. It was also at the end of the 19th century that the first of the three funiculars which are still helping people run up the hills of Lisboa was created. The Lavra funicular, which runs up the Sant’Ana hill, has been working since 1884 and transports passengers from Largo da Anunciada to Jardim do Torel. It covers 188 metres with a 22% slope. The Glória funicular was inaugurated one year later and connects Praça dos Restauradores to the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint. It covers the 265 metres of the steep street which gives it its name. Finally, in 1892, the funicular connecting Rua de São Paulo to Largo do Calhariz was created to reach the Santa Catarina hill.

The Santa Justa lift, which is a tourist attraction, connects Rua do Ouro to Largo do Carmo and should be considered along with the funiculars. Its wooden cabins go up and down a 45 metre high metallic tower designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a Portuguese engineer of French origin. Like the funiculars, the lift has been considered a national monument and its top provides one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Lisboa.

Among streets and cobblestone pavements, hill tops and bottoms, there is much to see and the best you can do is discover by yourself.