Escadaria Selarón: A Mosaic Tribute to Brazil

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A vibrant staircase in Rio de Janeiro, adorned with colorful tiles from around the world, a lasting tribute to the Brazilian people.

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Escadaria Selarón

The Escadaria Selarón, also known as the 'Lapa Steps,' is a vibrant staircase in Rio de Janeiro, adorned with colorful tiles from around the world. Created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón as a tribute to the Brazilian people, it has become a beloved landmark and a symbol of unity and artistic expression.

A brief summary to Escadaria Selarón

R. Manuel Carneiro, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Teresa, State of Rio de Janeiro, 20241-120, BR
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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 during daylight hours to fully appreciate the vibrant colors and intricate details of the tiles.
Go early in the morning (6:30-8:00 am) to avoid crowds and capture people-free photos.
Be mindful of your belongings, as the area can be crowded and attract pickpockets.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the steps can be steep and uneven.
Explore the nearby Lapa Arches and the Santa Teresa neighborhood for a more complete experience of the area.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Lampadário da Lapa

Lampadário da Lapa: A Glimpse into Rio's Belle Époque

Lapa Irish Pub

Lapa Irish Pub: A Taste of Ireland in Rio

Boate Boas intenções - Lapa

Boate Boas Intenções: Lapa's Lively Nightclub

Getting There

Walking

If you are in the Lapa or Santa Teresa neighborhood, walking to the Escadaria Selarón is a great option. The steps are located on Rua Manuel Carneiro, which connects the two neighborhoods. From the Lapa Arches, walk up Rua Joaquim Silva; the steps will be on your left. Be prepared for a steep walk.
Public Transport

The closest metro station to Escadaria Selarón is Cinelândia. From Cinelândia, you can take a bus to Santa Teresa or walk to the steps. Several bus lines stop near Rua Teixeira de Freitas. Check Google Maps for the best bus route from your location. A single metro ride costs R$7.50. Bus fares are around R$4.70.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Rio de Janeiro. Simply ask the driver to take you to Escadaria Selarón in Lapa. The driver will likely drop you off at the bottom of the steps. Taxi fares have a base fare of R$5.6, plus R$4 per kilometer. A 5km ride would cost approximately R$25.6.
Car

If driving, head towards the city center and then navigate to the Santa Teresa neighborhood. Use a GPS or map application to set R. Manuel Carneiro, Santa Teresa, as your destination. Parking is limited near the Escadaria Selarón. There is free parking on Ladeira da Lapa. The nearest parking garage is Estapar Estacionamentos.

Discover more about Escadaria Selarón

The Escadaria Selarón is a world-famous staircase located in the Lapa neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. It is the creation of Jorge Selarón, a Chilean-born artist who dedicated his life to transforming a dilapidated set of steps into a vibrant work of art. In 1990, Selarón began renovating the steps in front of his house, using blue, green, and yellow tiles, the colors of the Brazilian flag. What started as a small project soon became an obsession, as Selarón sold his paintings to fund the ever-growing mosaic. Over time, travelers from around the world began donating tiles, and the Escadaria Selarón evolved into a collaborative masterpiece featuring over 2,000 tiles from more than 60 countries. The 215 steps connect Rua Joaquim Silva with Rua Pinto Martins, linking the Lapa district with the Santa Teresa neighborhood. The steps are a constantly evolving work of art, as Selarón would often redesign sections he had already completed. Selarón continued working on the steps until his death in 2013. His body was found on the steps, and the exact circumstances of his death remain unclear. Today, the Escadaria Selarón is one of Rio de Janeiro's most popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors from all over the world. The steps have been featured in numerous movies, music videos, and commercials, solidifying their place as a global cultural icon. Visitors can explore the steps, admire the colorful tiles, and reflect on the artist's dedication and vision.