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Escadaria Selarón: A Mosaic Tribute to the Brazilian People
Discover Rio's iconic Escadaria Selarón: a vibrant mosaic staircase connecting Lapa and Santa Teresa, a testament to art, culture, and global unity.
The Escadaria Selarón, also known as the 'Lapa Steps,' is a world-famous staircase in Rio de Janeiro, adorned with a vibrant mosaic of tiles from around the globe. Created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón, the steps are a tribute to the Brazilian people and a symbol of unity and artistic expression.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Escadaria Selarón
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
R. Manuel Carneiro, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Teresa, State of Rio de Janeiro, 20241-120, BR
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Getting There
Walking
If you are in the Lapa or Santa Teresa neighborhood, walking to Escadaria Selarón is straightforward. The steps are located on Rua Manuel Carneiro, between Rua Joaquim Silva (Lapa side) and Rua Pinto Martins (Santa Teresa side). From the Arcos da Lapa, walk uphill on Rua Joaquim Silva for one block. The steps will be on your left. Be prepared for a steep walk if coming from Santa Teresa.
Public Transport
The easiest way to reach Escadaria Selarón via public transport is by metro. Take Metro lines L1, L2, or L4 and disembark at Cinelândia station. From there, it is approximately a 15-20 minute walk to the steps. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Cinelândia to Santa Teresa. Several bus lines serve the area. Check local transit maps or use a navigation app for the best route. A single metro ride costs R$7.50. Bus fares are around R$4.70. You can pay for both using a RioCard.
Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Rio de Janeiro and offer a convenient way to reach Escadaria Selarón. Simply provide the destination as 'Escadaria Selarón' or 'Rua Manuel Carneiro, Santa Teresa'. A short taxi ride from the city center (e.g., Cinelândia) will typically cost between R$15 and R$30, depending on traffic and distance. Be aware that fares may be higher during peak hours, at night, and on weekends.
Car
If driving, navigate to Rua Manuel Carneiro, Santa Teresa. Be aware that parking near Escadaria Selarón is limited. Consider parking in a nearby parking garage, such as Estapar Estacionamentos. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around R$10-R$20 per hour. Be mindful of street parking regulations. Parking on Ladeira da Lapa (the upper part of the staircase) is free.
Local tips
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Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best photos.
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Wear comfortable shoes, as the steps can be steep and uneven.
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Be mindful of your belongings, as the area can be crowded and attract pickpockets.
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Take your time to explore the steps and discover the unique tiles from around the world.
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Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions like the Arcos da Lapa and the Santa Teresa neighborhood.
Discover more about Escadaria Selarón
The Escadaria Selarón is a stunning and ever-evolving public artwork located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, connecting the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods. This iconic staircase, the creation of Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, has become a symbol of the city and a testament to the power of art to transform public spaces.In 1990, Selarón began his ambitious project of renovating the dilapidated steps in front of his house. Initially, he covered the steps in blue, green, and yellow tiles, mirroring the colors of the Brazilian flag. Over time, the project grew into a global endeavor, with Selarón incorporating tiles from over 60 countries, donated by visitors from all over the world. The 215 steps are covered with over 2,000 tiles, creating a kaleidoscope of colors, patterns, and textures.Selarón's dedication to his art was unwavering; he sold paintings and accepted donations to fund his work. He continuously worked on the steps, constantly redesigning and adding to the mosaic, making it a living, ever-changing piece of art. Selarón was often seen working on the steps, engaging with tourists and locals alike. The artist tragically passed away on the steps in 2013, but his legacy lives on in this vibrant and unique landmark.Visiting the Escadaria Selarón is free, and the steps are open 24/7, though it is best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the colors and details of the tiles. The steps are a popular spot for tourists and photographers, so visiting early in the morning is recommended to avoid crowds.
A brief summary to Escadaria Selarón
Use Escadaria Selarón as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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