Selarón Steps
The Selarón Steps, known in Portuguese as Escadaria Selarón, stand as one of Rio de Janeiro’s most vibrant and unconventional attractions. Stretching between the bohemian neighbourhoods of Santa Teresa and Lapa, this public staircase is an open‑air gallery, inviting visitors to admire its colourful mosaic façade.
Located at Rua Joaquim Silva and Travessa do Pinto, the steps ascend a steep incline of 215 risers, each adorned with over 2,000 tiles from 60 countries. These include Portuguese azulejos, shards of ceramics and mirror fragments that combine to form a living tapestry. The bright greens, blues and yellows echo Brazil’s national colours, while the eclectic mix reflects the staircase’s global ties and unique urban aesthetic.
Why visit the Selarón Steps?
Beyond their photographic appeal, the mosaics celebrate diversity and unity. Each tile carries a story, featuring inscriptions or national flags donated by admirers worldwide. Guided tours by volunteers pause at plaques explaining tile origins, inviting visitors to trace patterns and engage with the art.
The steps have become a canvas for global art and culture. International stars such as Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams filmed their video for “Beautiful” here; the Black Eyed Peas featured the staircase in promotional footage. Brazilian musicians like Seu Jorge and Ivete Sangalo have likewise used the steps in their music videos. Local volunteers undertake regular cleaning and restoration, keeping the mosaics vivid, while occasional live painting sessions and samba performances animate the site.
A brief history
The life’s work of Chilean‑born artist Jorge Selarón began in 1990, when he started decorating a few plain steps outside his studio as a tribute to Brazil. Collecting tiles on his travels, he added a new piece almost daily by hand. Over two decades, Selarón transformed the entire staircase until his untimely death in 2013, after which the city declared the steps a protected cultural heritage site. Since then, the local community has rallied to maintain the staircase as an integral part of the area’s identity.
Standing among Rio’s attractions
In Rio’s rich tapestry of attractions, the Selarón Steps occupy a special niche. They may not rival the heights of Christ the Redeemer or the vistas from Sugarloaf Mountain, yet they capture the city’s communal warmth and artistic flair. As a free and accessible experience, the staircase complements Rio’s grander landmarks, offering an intimate glimpse into local creativity.
Getting there
Reaching the steps is straightforward. Travellers may alight at the Cinelândia or Glória metro stations and walk through Lapa's lively streets. Many choose to take a taxi directly to the base at Rua Joaquim Silva, just steps from the Arcos da Lapa.
Practical considerations enhance the visit. Although the steps are accessible around the clock, daylight hours ensure safety and vibrant colours, while dusk reveals a warm ambience as street lamps and nearby live music from Lapa bars spill onto the staircase. The steps are free to visit year‑round, and surrounding streets abound with cafés, galleries and vendors, making it easy to extend the visit with refreshments or local crafts.
In conclusion, the Selarón Steps exemplify Rio de Janeiro’s capacity to transform the ordinary into art. With their riot of colour, rich backstory and integration into city life, they stand as a testament to one man’s devotion and a community’s creative spirit. A climb up these iconic steps offers not only stunning visuals but also a connection to the stories that shape Rio’s cultural mosaic.
