Escadaria Selarón: A Mosaic Tribute to Brazil

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A vibrant and ever-changing mosaic staircase in Rio de Janeiro, adorned with tiles from around the world, a tribute to the Brazilian people.

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Escadaria Selarón

The Escadaria Selarón, also known as the 'Lapa Steps,' is a vibrant public artwork in Rio de Janeiro, created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. Covered in thousands of tiles from around the world, the steps are a colorful and ever-evolving tribute to the Brazilian people.

A brief summary to Escadaria Selarón

R. Manuel Carneiro, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Teresa, State of Rio de Janeiro, 20241-120, BR
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Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the vibrant colors and intricate details of the tiles.
Go early in the morning (6:30-8:00 am) to avoid crowds and capture the best photos.
Be mindful of your belongings, as the area can be crowded and attract pickpockets.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the steps can be steep and uneven.

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Getting There

Walking

If you are in the Lapa or Santa Teresa neighborhood, the Escadaria Selarón is easily accessible on foot. From the Arcos da Lapa (Lapa Arches), walk up Rua Joaquim Silva; the steps will be on your left. From Santa Teresa, walk down Ladeira de Santa Teresa and turn onto Rua Manuel Carneiro; the steps will be on your right. The steps connect Rua Joaquim Silva with Rua Pinto Martins. There is no cost to access the steps.
Public Transport

The nearest metro station to Escadaria Selarón is Cinelândia. From Cinelândia, you can take a bus to Santa Teresa or walk approximately 15-25 minutes to the steps. Several bus lines also stop near the steps. Check Google Maps for the best bus route from your location. A single metro ride costs R$7.50. Bus fares are around R$4.70.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Rio de Janeiro. Simply provide 'Escadaria Selarón' or 'Rua Manuel Carneiro, Santa Teresa' as your destination. A taxi from the city center to the steps will cost approximately R$25.6, depending on traffic and distance. Keep in mind that prices may be higher at night, on Sundays, and during holidays.

Discover more about Escadaria Selarón

The Escadaria Selarón is one of Rio de Janeiro's most iconic and vibrant landmarks. This extraordinary staircase, connecting the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods, is the creation of Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón, who began his ambitious project in 1990. What started as a simple renovation of the dilapidated steps in front of his house transformed into a lifelong dedication and a unique work of public art.Selarón initially adorned the steps with tiles in the colors of the Brazilian flag: blue, green, and yellow. As his work gained recognition, travelers from around the globe began sending him tiles from their home countries, each adding a personal touch to the evolving mosaic. Today, the Escadaria Selarón boasts over 2,000 tiles from more than 60 countries, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultures and artistic expression.Selarón continuously worked on the steps, constantly redesigning and adding to his masterpiece until his death in 2013. The circumstances surrounding his death remain mysterious, but his legacy lives on in the colorful steps that attract visitors from all over the world. Walking the steps, visitors can admire the diverse collection of tiles, search for those from their own country, and appreciate Selarón's dedication to his art. The Escadaria Selarón is more than just a staircase; it's a symbol of unity, creativity, and the enduring spirit of Rio de Janeiro.