Escadaria Selarón, Public art stairs in Lapa, Brazil
The Selarón Steps stretch 125 meters between Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods, featuring over 2000 colorful tiles from more than 60 different countries.
Chilean artist Jorge Selarón began transforming these ordinary concrete steps in 1994, dedicating 23 years of his life to this continuous artistic project until 2013.
Each tile on the staircase represents contributions from international visitors, creating a permanent display of global connection through art in Rio de Janeiro.
The steps remain open throughout the day, with morning hours offering the best natural light for photographs and fewer visitors compared to afternoon peak times.
Among the thousands of tiles, several feature a recurring motif of an African pregnant woman, which Jorge Selarón incorporated as a personal symbolic element.
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Location: Santa Teresa
Inception: January 1, 1994
Architects: Jorge Selarón
Creator: Jorge Selarón
Length: 125 m
Creator: Jorge Selarón
Address: Rua Manoel Carneiro 20241-120
Website: https://prefeitura.rio
GPS coordinates: -22.91541,-43.17941
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:15
Brazilian architectural heritage reflects centuries of history, from colonial fortifications to contemporary structures. In São Paulo, the Flag Monument pays tribute to colonial expeditions, while in Belém, the Peace Theater recalls the prosperity of the rubber era. In Curitiba, the Oscar Niemeyer Museum showcases modern Brazilian architecture, and in Rio de Janeiro, the National Library holds over 9 million works in a neoclassical building. This collection brings together diverse sites that tell the story of the country’s development: military fortresses like São José de Macapá from the 18th century, cultural institutions like the Museum of Tomorrow focused on environmental issues, and managed natural spaces such as the Curitiba Botanical Garden. These sites offer an exploration of Brazil's history, architecture, and culture.
South America preserves a monumental heritage that reflects centuries of history, from pre-Columbian civilizations to the contemporary era. This collection includes archaeological sites, colonial-era religious buildings, public squares, and modern artistic creations scattered across the continent. Each monument tells a part of South American history, whether it be ancient fortresses, Baroque churches, or recent sculptures. Among these sites are the Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua, Guatemala, a 17th-century construction that once connected two convents; the Public Market in Porto Alegre, Brazil, a functioning 19th-century commercial building; and Desert Hand in Chile, a contemporary sculpture of 11 meters rising from the Atacama Desert. The Middle of the World monument near Quito, Ecuador, marks the equator line, while the Christ of the Pacific overlooks Lima from its hill. These monuments, whether of pre-Columbian, colonial, or modern origin, provide tangible insight into the cultural and architectural development of the South American continent.
These staircases represent architectural and technical achievements. From the 135 steps of the Spanish Steps in Rome to the 699 steps of Jacob's Ladder in Saint Helena, each structure displays distinct construction features. The selection includes historical spiral staircases, rock-carved ascents, and geometric structures.
Rio de Janeiro is more than a city; it is a living backdrop. Between mountains and sea, the Brazilian metropolis showcases its most famous landscapes: Christ the Redeemer overlooking Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf shining in the sun, Ipanema and Copacabana beaches where music and sand never sleep. But Rio is not just postcards. In the streets of Santa Teresa, colorful azulejos climb the Selarón stairs, museums reinvent the modern city, parks hide tropical forests, and lookouts reveal stunning panoramas. From samba to nature, from colonial heritage to futuristic architecture, each neighborhood tells a different face of Rio. Here are the must-visit places to experience its energy, beauty, and the unique joie de vivre.
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