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Escadaria Selarón: A Mosaic Tribute to Brazil

Discover Rio's vibrant Escadaria Selarón: A stunning mosaic staircase connecting cultures through art and the vision of Jorge Selarón.

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The Escadaria Selarón, a vibrant staircase in Rio de Janeiro's Lapa neighborhood, is a stunning mosaic created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón as a tribute to the Brazilian people. Adorned with over 2,000 tiles from more than 60 countries, this iconic landmark is a testament to art, culture, and transformation.

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 early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the best photos.
  • Keep an eye on your belongings, as the area can be prone to pickpocketing.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking up and down the steps.
  • Look closely at the tiles; you might find one from your own country.
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Lapa Arches and Santa Teresa neighborhood.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Lapa Arches, walk one block down Rua da Lapa, then turn onto Rua Manuel Carneiro. The steps will be directly in front of you. This is a short, easy walk suitable for most visitors. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Metro to Cinelândia or Glória station. From either station, it's a short walk or a quick taxi/Uber ride to the Escadaria Selarón. The metro single fare is approximately R$7.50. Several bus lines also stop near the steps. Look for routes that mention Santa Teresa or consult local transit maps. The bus fare is typically around R$4.05.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Use a ride-sharing app or taxi service and enter "Escadaria Selarón" as your destination. The driver will likely drop you off at the base of the steps on Rua da Lapa. A short trip from nearby areas like Centro or Glória will typically cost between R$15-R$25.

  • Car

    If driving, navigate to Rua Manuel Carneiro in Santa Teresa. Limited street parking is available, particularly on Ladeira da Lapa, near the top of the steps, which may be free. Alternatively, the nearest parking garage is Estapar Estacionamentos. Parking fees vary. Be aware that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours.

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Discover more about Escadaria Selarón

Escadaria Selarón, also known as the 'Lapa Steps,' is a world-renowned staircase in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This vibrant landmark connects the neighborhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa, showcasing the artistic vision of Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón. In 1990, Selarón began his ambitious project of renovating the dilapidated steps in front of his house. He covered them in fragments of blue, green, and yellow tiles, mirroring the colors of the Brazilian flag, initially facing mockery from neighbors. What started as a side project soon evolved into an obsession. Selarón incorporated tiles, ceramics, and mirrors from various parts of the world, transforming the 215 steps into a global mosaic. Over two decades, the collection grew to over 2,000 tiles from more than 60 countries, many donated by visitors inspired by his work. The steps have been featured in movies, music videos, and various media, becoming a must-see tourist attraction. Selarón's dedication to his art was unwavering, even as he faced financial difficulties. He sold paintings to fund his work and accepted donations from locals and travelers. The Escadaria Selarón stands as a symbol of unity and diversity, a testament to the transformative power of art. Selarón was found dead on the steps in 2013, but his legacy lives on through this iconic landmark.

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