The "ascensores" are the trademark of Valparaiso and an essential mode of public transportation up the city's iconic hills.
- [Brad Haynes/Courtesy]

Inspired by a photo on the internet, New York City artist Nicolina tracked down the private owner of the Ascensor Artilleria and got permission to paint the cable car.
- [Brad Haynes/Courtesy]

Nicolina painted four goddesses (sky, earth, fire and sea) and other allegorical tributes to port myths and legends on the two cable cars.
- [Brad Haynes/Courtesy]

Tourists descend on the Ascensor Artilleria in 2008, before it was repainted by Nicolina.
- [Martin Bernetti/AFP/Getty Images]

Valparaiso's steep hills are home to more than 90 percent of the city's 300,000 residents.
- [Brad Haynes/Courtesy]

In 2003, UNESCO designated Valparaiso a world heritage site.
- [City of Valparaiso/Courtesy]

Valparaiso's residents are fiercely proud of its bay vistas and faded grandeur.
- [City of Valparaiso/Courtesy]