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Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Escadaria Selarón.
Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.
Escadaria Selarón: A Mosaic Tribute to Brazil
Discover Rio's iconic Escadaria Selarón: A vibrant mosaic staircase and a lasting tribute to the Brazilian people by Jorge 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 colorful tiles from over 60 countries, the steps are a constantly evolving tribute to the Brazilian people and a symbol of unity and diversity.
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
Discover more about Escadaria Selarón
Escadaria Selarón, a world-famous staircase in Rio de Janeiro, is a vibrant and ever-changing mosaic created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón. Located between the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods, the 215 steps are adorned with over 2,000 tiles collected from more than 60 countries, a testament to Selarón's vision of creating a tribute to the Brazilian people.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 project to include tiles from around the world, many donated by visitors. The result is a stunning display of color, culture, and artistic expression.Selarón continuously worked on the steps, considering it a living piece of art that would only be finished upon his death. Tragically, Selarón was found dead on the steps in 2013, but his legacy lives on in this iconic landmark. Visitors can explore the steps, search for tiles from their own countries, and appreciate the unique beauty and history of this remarkable site. The steps have also been featured in various media, including music videos and advertisements, solidifying their place as a must-see attraction in Rio de Janeiro.
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Getting There
Walking
From the Lapa Arches, walk north on Rua da Lapa. Turn left on Rua Joaquim Silva; the steps will be on your left. The walk is short, about 5 minutes, and free.
Public Transport
Take the Metro to Cinelândia or Glória station. From Cinelândia, walk towards the Arcos da Lapa and follow the walking directions. 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. Metro fare is approximately R$7.50.
Taxi/Ride-sharing
Use a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber) and ask the driver to take you to Escadaria Selarón in Lapa. Most drivers will drop you off at the base of the steps on Rua da Lapa. A short taxi ride from the city center will cost approximately R$20-R$30.
Car
If driving, parking is available on the upper part of the staircase, at the intersection between Rua Manuel Carneiro and Ladeira da Lapa. Parking on Ladeira da Lapa is often free, but spaces can be limited. Paid parking garages are also available nearby, such as Estapar Estacionamentos. Parking fees vary by location.
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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