Escadaria Selarón | Selaron Steps
Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón) : A Tragic Love Story
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: NoEscadaria Selarón | Selaron Steps Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
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 out of 5
There’s no entrance tickets here. I went by Uber Moto for less than 20.00 brl (one way) from Copacabana.
Just be prepared for the long waiting of the famous sign of Rio at the bottom of the stairs… but if you don’t mind skipping that, then go up for less crowd….
the Nomad girl - in the last week
Absolutely loved exploring the steps and looking at the tiles. A great backstory to the area. Stalls selling drinks and souvenirs as well as live music really added to the atmosphere. You just have to dodge everyone dressed up to the nines wanting their photos for social media!
Julie - 2 months ago
Interesting and colorful collection of tiles from around the world. Jammed with tourists and souvenir stands. It’s worth a look. Tickets not required. Climb to the top and back down in 15 minutes. Then go somewhere else.
Paul - 2 months ago
We arrive around 10 am on a weekends and it’s already crowded. Nice for a photo remembrance but you’ll have to wait for your turn.
Elle L - 3 weeks ago
A classic tourist spot in Rio. It's definitely one where you want to be aware of your surroundings, especially at the top and bottom of the stairs. Very crowded, and hard to actually enjoy the art with so many people posing for pictures. Still, worth the visit!
Elinor Ackerman - 4 months ago
Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 - Orange or Line 2 - Green | Gloria | 10 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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Photo Gallery
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Close up of the tile work on the steps of Escadaria Selarón cc licensed photo by Michael J. -
Looking up at the Selarón Steps in Rio de Janeiro cc licensed photo by Jason Lawton -
Interesting details - Selarón Steps cc licensed photo by Collectif Les Enfants -
Photo Credit: Carlos Varela - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Carlos Varela - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Carlos Varela - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Carlos Varela - cc license via Flickr
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