Escadaria Selarón, Litoral Norte Travel Guide

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Discover Rio's iconic Escadaria Selarón: A vibrant mosaic staircase connecting cultures through art and the vision of Jorge Selarón.

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Escadaria Selarón

The Escadaria Selarón, also known as the 'Lapa Steps,' is a vibrant staircase in Rio de Janeiro, created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón as his tribute to the Brazilian people. Adorned with over 2,000 tiles from more than 60 countries, this iconic landmark connects the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods.

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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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Escadaria Selarón.

Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the vibrant colors and intricate details of the tiles.
Be mindful of your belongings, as the area can be crowded and attract pickpockets.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking up and down the steps to explore the different tiles.
Bring a camera to capture the unique and colorful mosaics from around the world.
Take your time to examine the tiles; you might find one from your own country.

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Explore Escadaria Selarón on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Escadaria Selarón, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

If you are in the Lapa neighborhood, the steps are easily accessible on foot. From the Lapa Arches, walk towards Rua Joaquim Silva; the steps will be on your left. The walk is short and allows you to take in the surrounding area.
Public Transport

Take the metro to Cinelândia or Glória station. From Glória, walk north on Rua da Glória, which becomes Rua da Lapa. Turn left on Rua Teotônio Regadas, and you will see the steps. From Cinelândia, walk towards the Lapa Arches and then to Rua Joaquim Silva. A single metro journey costs R$6.90.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Use a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber to get to Escadaria Selarón. Simply enter 'Escadaria Selarón' as your destination, and the driver will drop you off at the base of the steps in Lapa. A short trip from Copacabana or Ipanema may cost between R$20-R$40, depending on traffic.

Discover more about Escadaria Selarón

The Escadaria Selarón is a world-renowned staircase in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a true testament to art, dedication, and cultural unity. Created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón, the steps are a vibrant mosaic that has become an iconic symbol of the city.In 1990, Selarón began renovating the dilapidated steps in front of his house. Initially using blue, green, and yellow tiles to represent the colors of the Brazilian flag, he expanded his vision to include tiles from all over the world. Over two decades, Selarón adorned the 215 steps with over 2,000 tiles from more than 60 countries, creating a constantly evolving masterpiece. Visitors from around the globe contributed to the project, bringing tiles that represented their own cultures and countries.The steps are located between the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods, linking the lower Lapa district with the higher, more traditional Santa Teresa. The Escadaria Selarón has been featured in numerous movies, music videos, and commercials, further cementing its place as a must-see attraction in Rio de Janeiro. Selarón was found dead on the steps in 2013, but his legacy lives on through this incredible work of art. Visiting the steps is free and open 24/7, though it is best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the colors and details.