Lisbon is renowned for its charming architecture and historic landmarks, making it a popular tourist destination. One of its iconic features is the Ascensor da Bica, a funicular that not only facilitates transportation up one of the city’s steepest hills but also stands as a symbol of Lisbon’s vibrant culture. Its picturesque design and vibrant colors have made it a favorite subject for postcards, souvenirs, and now, a LEGO model. Inspired by this beloved landmark, a LEGO builder known as Peter_Designs meticulously recreated the Bica Funicular using 2,997 tiny bricks. Recognizing that the funicular’s significance lies not just in the tram but in its context, Peter_Designs included the challenging hill in his model, building it at a 20.5-degree angle to accurately reflect the real-life incline. This LEGO creation is a remarkable feat of engineering, mirroring the ingenuity of the original Ascensor da Bica.
The intricate model features 773 pieces dedicated to the funicular cart itself, with the remaining pieces forming the steep hill and the charming adjacent street, providing both aesthetic appeal and structural support. The cart, designed to closely resemble the original, includes three passenger compartments and can hold up to 23 mini figurine passengers. Peter_Designs emphasized the functionality of the model, aiming for it to be both visually accurate and capable of transporting numerous minifigures. He chose to recreate the Ascensor da Bica not only because of its beauty and iconic status but also because it would appeal to a broad audience of LEGO enthusiasts. His passion for Lisbon, particularly its yellow trams, inspired him to bring this piece of the city to life in LEGO form. Peter_Designs submitted his creation to the LEGO Ideas platform, seeking support to turn his model into an official set. With 4,924 supporters so far, the project has a promising future, and fans are encouraged to vote for it to help make this intricate model a reality.