Escadaria Selarón: A Vibrant Mosaic of Culture and Art
Discover the vibrant Escadaria Selarón in Rio de Janeiro, a stunning mosaic of global culture and art nestled in the heart of Santa Teresa.
Escadaria Selarón, or Selarón Steps, is an iconic and colorful stairway located in the Santa Teresa neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. This remarkable attraction is the brainchild of Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón, who began working on this project in the 1990s. Over the years, he transformed a simple staircase into a vibrant masterpiece adorned with a mosaic of tiles sourced from over 60 countries. Each tile tells a story, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the world and the artist's vision of unity and love. Visitors are greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors as they ascend the 215 steps, each section of the staircase showcasing unique designs and patterns. The stairway not only serves as a visual delight but also offers a unique experience where art and community converge. As you stroll along the steps, you'll find local artists displaying their work and musicians performing, enriching the atmosphere with live art and music. The surrounding Santa Teresa neighborhood, known for its bohemian vibe, charming streets, and historic architecture, further enhances the experience, making it a perfect spot for photography, leisurely walks, and immersion in local culture. Don't forget to take in the panoramic views of the city as you make your way up. Escadaria Selarón is more than just an attraction; it's a testament to artistic expression and the spirit of Rio de Janeiro. It invites tourists to engage with art in an open space, creating a sense of community and connection. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a casual traveler, or someone looking to capture stunning photos, this is a destination that should not be missed during your visit to Rio. The steps are free to access, allowing everyone to enjoy this artistic haven at their own pace, making it a truly inclusive experience.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best photos.
- Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the steps and the artist behind this masterpiece.
- Explore the surrounding Santa Teresa neighborhood for additional art installations and local shops.
- Don't forget to bring water and wear comfortable shoes for the climb.
- Check for local events or performances happening nearby to enhance your visit.
A brief summary to Escadaria Selarón
- R. Manuel Carneiro, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Teresa, State of Rio de Janeiro, 20241-120, BR
- Visit website
- 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
Getting There
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Car
If you are traveling by car from anywhere in Planalto Atlântico, enter 'R. Manuel Carneiro - Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20241-120' into your GPS. From Planalto Atlântico, head south on Estrada do Sapê, then take a right onto Rua Doutor Luiz D'Almeida. Follow this road as it turns into Rua General Venâncio Flores and leads you towards the city center. Continue straight until you reach Rua Manuel Carneiro, where you can park in nearby public parking facilities. Note that parking may incur a fee, typically around R$10 to R$20 per hour, depending on the location.
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Public Transportation - Bus
For those using public transportation, find the nearest bus stop in Planalto Atlântico. Take the bus number 580 or 598 towards Santa Teresa. The bus ride will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Get off at the stop 'R. Almirante Alexandrino', which is a short walk from Escadaria Selarón. From the bus stop, head down Rua Almirante Alexandrino, then turn left onto Rua Manuel Carneiro, where you will find the iconic staircase. The bus fare is usually around R$4.50.
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Public Transportation - Metro and Walking
An alternative public transport option is to take the Metro. Head to the nearest metro station in Planalto Atlântico and take Line 1 (the orange line) towards Uruguai. Change at the 'Cinelandia' station for Line 2 (the green line) towards Botafogo. Get off at 'Glória' station. From there, exit the station and walk up Rua do Catete, which turns into Rua Almirante Alexandrino. Continue straight until you reach Rua Manuel Carneiro. The entire journey may take about 1 hour and costs approximately R$6.00 for the metro.
Attractions Nearby to Escadaria Selarón
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Lapa
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Arcos da Lapa | Aqueduto da Carioca
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Praça Passeio Público
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Passeio Público
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Café Cultural Sacrilégio - Lapa
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Chafariz da Glória
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Parque das Ruínas
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Gandhi statue
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Gandhi Square
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Chafariz do Monroe
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Praça Mahatma Gandhi
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MAAS - Museu Arquidiocesano de Arte Sacra do Rio de Janeiro
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Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro
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Museu da Chácara do Céu
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Largo do Curvelo
Landmarks nearby to Escadaria Selarón
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Lampadário da Lapa
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Lapa Irish Pub
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Boate Boas intenções - Lapa
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Leviano Bar
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IHGRJ - Historical and Geographical Institute of Rio de Janeiro
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Circo Voador
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Arco iris da lapa
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Mirante do Curvelo
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Free Walker Tours
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casa de show
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Royal Portuguese Reading Room
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Mirante do Rato Molhado
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Largo das Neves
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Aprazível
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Paço Imperial