Funiculars are special type of rail transportation in which the drive is usually located at the top of the slope, that is also the route. In this paper, history of funiculars, application and technology will be explained. In the introductory part, their role is explained and some of the world's funiculars are presented. The historical development of funiculars will also be explained - from those with steam drive, to the electric motor drive developed at the end of the 19th century. The main parts of the funicular are the tow rope, brakes, safety devices and the drive mechanism. Breaking mechanisms are explained in more detail. Today, AC motors are mainly used as drive mechanisms. The funiculars can be divided into circular and reciprocating drives according to the mode of operation, where in those with circular propulsion the movement of the traction rope is realized in one direction, and on the reciprocating drive in variable direction. Also, the profiles of the funicular routes are explained, as well as the type of railway on which the funicular runs. A turning point in the construction of the classic above-ground funiculars was achieved through the construction of completely underground routes. The calculation of the drive was performed with all the necessary expressions for setting the criteria for the selection of the rope, i.e. the allowable rope load, diameter, breaking force, but also the power of the drive motor. Some of the notable examples of the funiculars from around the world are presented, with emphasis on the funicular in the city of Zagreb.