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Escadaria Selarón: A Mosaic Tribute to Brazil

A vibrant and ever-evolving mosaic staircase in Rio de Janeiro, adorned with tiles from over 60 countries, a testament to global cultures and artistic vision.

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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 around the world, the steps connect the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods, offering a unique and ever-evolving display of global cultures.

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 (before 10 am) to avoid crowds and get the best photos.
  • Be mindful of your belongings, as the area can get crowded and attract pickpockets.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking up and down the 215 steps.
  • Take your time to explore the individual tiles and discover the stories they tell.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Lapa Arches and the Santa Teresa neighborhood.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are in the Lapa or Santa Teresa neighborhood, walking to Escadaria Selarón is straightforward. From the Lapa Arches (Arcos da Lapa), walk up Rua da Lapa, then turn left on Rua Joaquim Silva. The steps will be on your left, connecting to Rua Manuel Carneiro in Santa Teresa. The walk is about 5 minutes from the Arches. There is no cost for walking.

  • Public Transport

    The closest metro station to Escadaria Selarón is Glória. From Glória station, walk north along Rua da Glória, which becomes Rua da Lapa. Turn left onto Rua Teotônio Regadas and follow it to the Selarón Steps. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Santa Teresa and get off at a stop near the steps. Bus lines that stop nearby include 010, 104, 157, 384, and 433. A single metro or bus fare costs around R$4.30.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taking a taxi or ride-share service like Uber is a convenient way to reach Escadaria Selarón. Simply enter "Escadaria Selarón" as your destination, and the driver will drop you off at the base of the steps in Lapa. A short taxi or Uber ride from nearby areas like Centro or Flamengo typically costs between R$15 and R$30, depending on traffic and distance.

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Discover more about Escadaria Selarón

Escadaria Selarón is a world-famous staircase in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a true testament to the vision and dedication of Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón. What began in 1990 as a personal project to renovate the dilapidated steps in front of his house transformed into a monumental artwork, a vibrant mosaic connecting the bohemian neighborhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa. Selarón started by covering the steps in fragments of blue, green, and yellow tiles, the colors of the Brazilian flag, as a tribute to the Brazilian people. Over time, the project evolved as travelers from around the world began donating tiles, transforming the steps into a global mosaic. Today, the 215 steps are adorned with over 2,000 tiles from more than 60 countries, creating a constantly changing work of art. Selarón considered the work to be "never complete", continuously adding and rearranging tiles until his death in 2013. Walking the steps, visitors are immersed in a kaleidoscope of colors and cultures. Each tile tells a story, with many depicting scenes and symbols unique to their country of origin. Selarón also incorporated over 300 hand-painted tiles featuring a pregnant African woman, a recurring motif in his art that he described as a "personal problem from my past". The steps have been featured in numerous magazines, travel shows, music videos (including Snoop Dogg's "Beautiful" and U2), and commercials, solidifying their place as an iconic tourist attraction. Located between Joaquim Silva Street in Lapa and Pinto Martins Street in Santa Teresa, the steps are open 24/7 and free to visit. While the steps are generally safe, it's advisable to be mindful of your belongings, especially during crowded times. The best time to visit is early in the morning to avoid the crowds and fully appreciate the artistry.

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