Lisbon’s Elevador da Bica Gets An Extreme Makeover
Lisbon’s yellow trams and funiculars are some of its most iconic images, and some of its most photographed monuments. They’re classified as national monuments and remain popular rides for tourists and locals to go up and down the city’s steep hills. The most photographed of all is perhaps that of Bica, the funicular right outside Bairro Alto that goes down one of the city’s most colorfully picturesque streets. If you’ve been to Lisbon before or are doing your research before you visit, you’ve already seen it — it looks like one huge yellow box going downhill. But it’s yellow no more, at least until June. It’s been covered in mirrors, so now its color is whatever is reflected on it during its journeys. This makeover is part of a special event promoted by the local transportation company Carris that runs these trams and funiculars, called “Arte em Movimento” (“Art in Movement”). Contemporary Portuguese artists have been invited to create a special project for the city’s four funiculars (“elevadores”), and while that of Bica is the most visible, the others (Gloria, Santa Justa, and Lavra) will also offers a few surprises during their short but charming rides…
