Escadaria Selarón | Selaron Steps

Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón) : A Tragic Love Story

Selarón Steps
Selarón Steps cc licensed photo by Rogério Zgiet

The steps of Selarón situated on Rua Joaquim Silvia Selarón Lapa are to Rio what the Spanish steps are to Rome. Beautifully tiled with mosaic tiles and mirror, these 250 steps, measuring 125 metres long, are a true artistic feat requiring years of hard work and dedication.

In order to complete the work of art as it now stands more than 2,000 tiles collected from more than 60 countries were used. Despite its immense beauty the Escadaria Selarón is about more than just an artistic feat. It is a love story that ended in tragedy very befitting the Latin culture of love and tragedy. These steps truly are a must see when visiting Rio.

The story of Escadaria Selarón starts with a Chilean artist named Jorge Selarón who settled in Rio in 1983. After travelling the world and visiting 57 countries, he decided to call Rio home. This artist decided to begin with renovating the steps close to where he lived on a whim as the area was extremely run down and the grey steps an empty canvas for someone with an artistic eye. In the year 1990 Jorge began work on the steps, not having the funds to begin such a project he began to collect old tiles from construction sites and many other places in the area. As he soon ran out of tiles he funded his project by selling his paintings and sculptures. As he continued his work he accepted donations from passers-by and foreigners in order to complete his work. Many times his friends who travelled would bring back tiles that they collected for him from different countries.

Though he was first mocked by the people in the area for his use of greens, blues and yellows, the colours of the Brazilian flag he kept working on his solitary art piece which he called his tribute to the Brazilian people. What started out as an idea turned out to be an all-consuming passion, a labour of love for the country he had come to call home.

The steps soon became a tourist attraction as people came to see the artist working day and night on these steps. The work lasted more than 20 years before his dead body was found on the very steps named after him. Although an official cause of death has not been established it is speculated that he committed suicide brought on by depression.

Take a moment to look at the steps and speculate on Jorge's passion for the Brazilian people.



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: No

Address: R. Manuel Carneiro - Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20241-120, Brazil

Official Website: Escadaria Selarón | Selaron Steps

Escadaria Selarón | Selaron Steps Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating 🎨🇧🇷 Visited the Escadaria Selarón and it’s definitely one of those classic Rio tourist spots you have to see at least once ✨ The colorful tiles are so unique and make for such fun photos. It took about 20 minutes to slowly walk all the way to the top while stopping for pictures along the way. At the bottom, there was a pretty long line for the iconic photo spot 📸 but there are bars and little drink stands nearby so you can grab a caipirinha or drink while waiting 🍹 One thing I noticed though is the drinks were actually cheaper once you got closer to the top. One thing to plan for is transportation after. I left around 6 PM and it took almost 40 minutes to finally match with an Uber 🚗 so I’d recommend either leaving a little earlier or being prepared to wait. Overall, such a fun and vibrant place to visit in Rio and worth adding to your itinerary 🇧🇷✨
Plate Cleaner Club - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating It's a good tourist place to visit. Just be sure to not go with valuables and to be aware of your surroundings. Go further up the stairs there are better photo opportunities. Need to have patience to get a good photo with less people in them.
Simon Arthur - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating This was a great experience and the vibes were on point here. The amazing layout of all the tiles is magical and makes for a next level work of art blended into the culture of Rio. People were pretty considerate of others taking photos. I recommend walking to the top to avoid large crowds which makes for better photos opportunities. There was music for the vendors and live music playing as well. Overall an incredible experience. A must see when in Rio. Tourist tip: YOU DO NOT NEED TICKETS FOR THESE STAIRS OR A TOUR! It’s safe, just watch your pockets and purses as usual because it’s crowded.
Da'Love Woods - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Absolutely stunning and a must see in Brazil. We went with a tour guide who dropped us off at the top of the steps where there were no crowds and we were so grateful for it! Once we started going down the stairs we realized there was much more to it!! However there were so many people at the lower levels and a bit chaotic with people waiting on line to take a photo. I recommend skipping the line and taking photos at the top where it is less crowded. It was really hot so make sure to take fans.
Jennifer Cortez - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating The Selarón Steps are one of those places that feel alive the moment you arrive. Tucked between the neighbourhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa in Rio de Janeiro, the staircase is a celebration of colour, creativity, and community. Every step is covered in tiles from all over the world, creating a mosaic that feels both chaotic and beautifully intentional. Blues, reds, yellows, and greens compete for attention, and no matter where you look, there is always another detail to notice. When I visited, the sky was heavy and the rain fell steadily, coating the tiles in a glossy sheen. Although the weather could have dampened the experience, it actually added a different kind of charm. The colours looked even brighter against the grey day, and the sound of rain tapping on ceramic made the space feel calm and intimate. Tourists still laughed, took photos, and carefully climbed the steps, sharing umbrellas and smiles. What makes the Selarón Steps special is not just their appearance, but the story behind them. They are a labour of love, created by artist Jorge Selarón as a gift to the city. That passion is still visible in every tile and every curve. Despite the rain, the day was genuinely fun. Exploring the steps, chatting with other visitors, and soaking in the atmosphere made it unforgettable. The Selarón Steps are more than a photo spot; they are an experience worth having, rain or shine. It stands as a vibrant reminder that art, weather, and people together can transform an ordinary walk into joy for everyone present.
Fada Banxx - 2 months ago

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Directions

Metro Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Line 1 - Orange or Line 2 - GreenGloria10 Minutes

How to get to Escadaria Selarón | Selaron Steps by Metro

Exit Gloria Station and walk north along Rua da Gloria which becomes Rua da Lapa. When you get to Rua Teotonio Regadas go left and follow it straight to the Selarón Steps which you should now see at end of the road.

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