Penha Cable Car celebrates 30 Years with over 6.3 Million trips since 1995
Over the past three decades, the Penha Cable Car — one of Guimarães’ most iconic tourist attractions — has transported more than 6.3 million passengers, becoming a symbol of the city’s connection between nature and heritage.
Since its inauguration in 1995, the cable car has recorded a total of 6,311,586 journeys, with its first year still holding the all-time record of 433,415 trips.
To mark its 30th anniversary, the city of Guimarães hosted a commemorative ceremony at the upper station of the cable car. The event brought together key local stakeholders, including the Mayor of Guimarães, Domingos Bragança, and the President of Turipenha Cooperative, Sofia Ferreira.
One of the ceremony’s highlights was the unveiling of a permanent exhibition titled “Flying Between the Mountain and the City”, featuring photographs and newspaper clippings that capture the cable car’s early days and its official launch in 1995. The event also marked the release of a special edition of “The Sky Over the Mountain”, a visually striking publication with texts by Carlos Poças Falcão and photography by Ana Paula Meneses, created exclusively for this anniversary.
A Pillar of Tourism in Guimarães
In his speech, Mayor Bragança emphasized the strategic importance of the cable car in the region’s tourism landscape:
“The Penha Cable Car is a key driver for Guimarães’ tourism. The updated name – Penha Cable Car – rightly reflects the deep connection between the city and the mountain.”
Sofia Ferreira also highlighted the emotional and historical significance of the moment:
“This cable car represents the fulfilment of a dream. Just as we did 30 years ago, we celebrate today with a symbolic inaugural ride.”
A Unique Way to Discover Guimarães
The Penha Cable Car offers a scenic journey between the historic city of Guimarães and the natural beauty of Penha Mountain. For visitors, it’s more than just transportation — it’s an experience that blends panoramic views, cultural heritage, and a sense of adventure.
As it enters a new chapter, the Penha Cable Car continues to be a must-visit destination in northern Portugal, attracting both local and international travelers eager to experience “the flight between city and nature.”