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Escadaria Selarón: A Mosaic Stairway to the Soul of Rio

Discover Rio's vibrant soul at Escadaria Selarón, a stunning mosaic stairway connecting Lapa and Santa Teresa with art from around the world.

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The Escadaria Selarón, also known as the 'Lapa Steps,' is a vibrant and ever-evolving public artwork in Rio de Janeiro, created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. This iconic staircase, adorned with thousands of tiles from around the world, connects the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods, offering a unique glimpse into the city's artistic heart.

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

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the best photos.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking up and down the steps.
  • Be mindful of your belongings, as the area can be crowded and attract pickpockets.
  • Take your time to explore the different tiles and discover hidden gems from around the world.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the charming Santa Teresa neighborhood or the lively Lapa district.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are in the Lapa or Santa Teresa neighborhood, walking to the Escadaria Selarón is straightforward. From the Arcos da Lapa, walk uphill on Rua Joaquim Silva. The steps will be on your left, connecting to Rua Manuel Carneiro in Santa Teresa. The walk is short but uphill, so wear comfortable shoes.

  • Public Transport

    The easiest way to reach Escadaria Selarón via public transport is by taking the metro to Cinelândia station. From there, it's approximately a 15-minute walk to the steps. Alternatively, numerous buses stop near the steps; check Google Maps for the best route from your location. A single metro ticket costs around R$7.50 , and a bus fare is approximately R$4.70. Consider purchasing a RioCard Mais for easy access to all public transport options.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Rio de Janeiro. Simply ask your driver to take you to Escadaria Selarón in Santa Teresa. Most drivers will likely drop you off at the bottom of the steps on Rua Joaquim Silva. A short taxi ride within the city center will typically cost between R$15 and R$30, depending on traffic and distance. Be sure the driver turns on the meter, or agree on a fare beforehand.

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Discover more about Escadaria Selarón

The Escadaria Selarón is more than just a staircase; it's a living, breathing mosaic that embodies the spirit of Rio de Janeiro. Created by the Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón, who made Rio his home in 1983, the steps are a vibrant tribute to the Brazilian people. In 1990, Selarón began his ambitious project of renovating the dilapidated steps in front of his house. Initially, he covered them in blue, green, and yellow tiles, the colors of the Brazilian flag, drawing the mockery of his neighbors. However, Selarón persisted, funding his work by selling his paintings. Over time, the project grew into an obsession, and tiles from all over the world began to arrive as donations from visitors touched by his vision. Today, the Escadaria Selarón boasts over 2,000 tiles from more than 60 countries. Each tile tells a story, reflecting the diverse cultures and experiences of those who contributed to the artwork. Walking up the steps, you'll discover everything from national flags and cityscapes to personal messages and artistic expressions. Selarón himself hand-painted over 300 tiles depicting a pregnant African woman, a recurring motif he described as a "personal problem from my past". The artist's dedication was unwavering; he continuously changed and added to the steps until his tragic death in 2013, when he was found on the steps themselves. Though the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, his legacy lives on in the vibrant colors and eclectic mix of the Escadaria Selarón, a testament to the power of art to unite and inspire.

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