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Escadaria Selarón: A Mosaic Tribute to Brazil

A vibrant and ever-changing mosaic staircase in Rio de Janeiro, adorned with tiles from around the world, a testament to art and cultural unity.

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The Escadaria Selarón, also known as the 'Lapa Steps,' is a vibrant and world-famous staircase in Rio de Janeiro, created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón as his tribute to the Brazilian people. Covered in over 2,000 tiles collected from more than 60 countries, it's a constantly evolving work of art and a must-see for any visitor.

A brief summary to Escadaria Selarón

  • R. Manuel Carneiro, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Teresa, State of Rio de Janeiro, 20241-120, BR
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best photos.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking up and down the steps.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and belongings, as the area can get crowded.
  • Take your time to explore the steps and discover tiles from different countries.
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Lapa Arches and the Santa Teresa neighborhood.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Lapa Arches (Arcos da Lapa), walk east along Rua Joaquim Silva. The Escadaria Selarón will be on your left, connecting Rua Joaquim Silva with Rua Pinto Martins in the Santa Teresa neighborhood. The walk is short, approximately 5 minutes , but uphill.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Metro to Cinelândia Station. From there, you can take a bus to Santa Teresa or walk approximately 15-25 minutes to the steps. Alternatively, take a VLT (light rail) and disembark at a station close to Lapa. From there, walk towards the Lapa Arches and then to the steps. A single metro ticket costs R$7.50. A RioCard Mais can be purchased for R$4.50, and then requires a top-up of at least R$5.00. Bus fares are around R$4.70.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Rio de Janeiro. Provide the driver with the address 'Rua Manuel Carneiro, Santa Teresa' or simply ask to be taken to 'Escadaria Selarón' or 'the colorful steps'. From most points in central Rio, a taxi ride should cost approximately R$30-R$40. Note that taxi fares may be higher at night and on weekends.

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Discover more about Escadaria Selarón

The Escadaria Selarón is a unique and colorful landmark located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, connecting the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods. This iconic staircase is the creation of Jorge Selarón, a Chilean artist who began renovating the dilapidated steps in front of his house in 1990. What started as a small project soon became an obsession, as Selarón covered the steps in fragments of blue, green, and yellow tiles, the colors of the Brazilian flag. Over the years, Selarón's work expanded to include tiles from all over the world, many of which were donated by visitors. Today, the Escadaria Selarón contains over 2,000 tiles from more than 60 countries, making it a symbol of unity and cultural diversity. The 215 steps have been featured in numerous magazines, commercials, and music videos, solidifying its place as a global cultural icon. Selarón continuously worked on the steps until his death in 2013, constantly changing and redesigning sections of the staircase. Visiting the Escadaria Selarón is free, and it's open 24/7, though it is best experienced during daylight hours to fully appreciate the colors and details of the tiles. The steps are a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, so expect crowds, especially during peak hours. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting early in the morning. Take your time to explore the steps and discover tiles from different countries, and be respectful of the surrounding neighborhood.

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