Escadaria Selarón: A Mosaic Stairway to Artistic Heights
Discover Rio's vibrant Escadaria Selarón: a stunning mosaic staircase connecting Lapa and Santa Teresa, a testament to art, culture, and global unity.
Escadaria Selarón, also known as the 'Lapa Steps,' is a vibrant public artwork in Rio de Janeiro, created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón. Beginning in 1990, Selarón transformed a dilapidated staircase into a mosaic of over 2,000 tiles collected from more than 60 countries, a colorful tribute to the Brazilian people and a symbol of global unity.
A brief summary to Escadaria Selarón
- R. Manuel Carneiro, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Teresa, State of Rio de Janeiro, 20241-120, BR
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the vibrant colors and intricate details of the mosaic tiles.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking up and down the steps and exploring the surrounding neighborhoods.
- Be mindful of your belongings, as the area can get crowded, and petty theft can occur.
- Bring a camera to capture the unique beauty of the steps and the surrounding Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods.
- Consider visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best photos.
Getting There
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Walking
If you are in the Lapa or Santa Teresa neighborhood, walking to Escadaria Selarón is straightforward. From the Arcos da Lapa (Lapa Arches), walk about 5 minutes to Rua Manuel Carneiro, where the steps are located. The steps connect Rua Joaquim Silva in Lapa with Rua Pinto Martins in Santa Teresa. Be prepared for a steep walk if approaching from Santa Teresa.
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Public Transport
The closest metro station to Escadaria Selarón is Cinelândia. From Cinelândia, you can take a bus to Santa Teresa or walk for about 25 minutes. Several bus lines serve the area around Rua Teixeira de Freitas, near the steps. Bus fares are typically around R$4.70. Alternatively, from the Carioca station, it's about a 15-minute walk to the steps. A single metro ride costs R$7.50.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Rio de Janeiro. A taxi from Cinelândia to Escadaria Selarón will be a short ride, costing approximately R$25.60, with a base fare of R$5.6 and R$4 per km. Ensure the driver turns on the meter or negotiate a flat rate beforehand. Uber fares may vary depending on demand and time of day.
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Car
If driving, navigate to Rua Manuel Carneiro, Santa Teresa. Parking near Escadaria Selarón is limited. There is free parking on the upper part of the staircase, at the intersection between Rua Manuel Carneiro and Ladeira da Lapa. The nearest parking garage is Estapar Estacionamentos. Be aware of local parking regulations and fees.
Discover more about Escadaria Selarón
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