Escadaria Selarón: Rio's Mosaic Stairway
Discover Rio's vibrant Escadaria Selarón, a stunning mosaic staircase and a symbol of art, culture, and Brazilian pride.
The Escadaria Selarón, also known as the 'Lapa Steps,' is a world-famous staircase in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This iconic landmark, situated between the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods, is the creation of Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón, who called it "my tribute to the Brazilian people". In 1990, Selarón began renovating the dilapidated steps in front of his house. He started decorating them with blue, green, and yellow tiles, the colors of the Brazilian flag. Over time, the project grew, and Selarón began incorporating tiles from all over the world, with visitors contributing tiles from over 60 countries. Of the 2000+ tiles, about 300 were hand-painted by Selarón, often depicting a pregnant African woman. The steps have been featured in various media, including music videos and films. Today, the Escadaria Selarón is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world. The steps are a symbol of creativity, passion, and cultural exchange, reflecting the diverse and vibrant spirit of Rio de Janeiro. The staircase connects the neighborhoods of Santa Teresa and Lapa, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the best photos.
- Be mindful of your belongings, as the area can be prone to pickpocketing.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the steps can be steep and uneven.
- Take a stroll through the Santa Teresa neighborhood to discover local art galleries and cafes.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are no cafes directly on the steps.
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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Walking
From the Arcos da Lapa, walk uphill on Rua Joaquim Silva. The steps will be on your left. The walk is short but uphill.
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Public Transport
Take the metro to Cinelândia or Glória station. From Cinelândia, walk towards the Arcos da Lapa and then uphill on Rua Joaquim Silva. From Glória, walk north along Rua da Glória, which becomes Rua da Lapa. Turn left on Rua Teotônio Regadas and follow it to the Selarón Steps. A single journey on the MetrôRio costs R$6.90.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Ask your driver to take you to Escadaria Selarón in the Lapa neighborhood. Most drivers will know the location. From Rua da Lapa, walk one block down to the steps. A short taxi or ride-share trip in the area will likely cost between R$15-R$25.
