Ascensore Castello d'Albertis-Montegalletto (Castello d'Albertis–Montegalletto Elevator), Genoa

The Ascensore Castello d'Albertis-Montegalletto (Albertis Castle – Montegalletto lift) offers an unusual transit experience that begins underground and ends at the gates of the Albertis Castle. The journey starts with a cabin running horizontally for approximately 235 meters through a tunnel via a funicular track. At the midpoint, the cabin transitions onto a system of tires and passes the opposing cabin before coupling to a vertical lift mechanism. Without changing cabins, the route continues upward for around 69 meters until reaching Corso Dogali. This uninterrupted shift from horizontal to vertical travel makes it the only elevator of its kind in Europe. The entire route lasts around three minutes and ends directly beside the Albertis Castle, home to the Museum of World Cultures.

The system operates with two cabins moving simultaneously in opposite directions, with the entire trip lasting about three minutes. Initially built in 1929 to connect Genoa’s central railway station with the now-defunct district of Montegalletto, the original lift system was modernized and reopened in 2004 with this hybrid design. At the top station, the exit opens directly beside the Albertis Castle, home to the Museum of World Cultures. From this elevation, the platform also offers a panoramic view over Genoa.