Visiting the Selarón Steps
The Selarón Steps, or Escadaria do Convento de Santa Teresa (Staircase of the Santa Teresa Convent), is a public staircase connecting the Santa Teresa and Lapa neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro. This 215-step flight was covered in colorful tiles and mosaics over two decades by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, between 1990 and his death in 2013. The artist, who lived in a nearby house, originally intended the project as a tribute to his adopted home of Brazil by breathing new life into a neglected set of stairs.
A landmark of street art
As his work progressed, Jorge Selarón gained widespread recognition. He originally aimed to finish the steps in time for the 1994 World Cup, initially using construction debris and scraps found in the local area. Because of the enthusiasm from both locals and visitors, Selarón was able to continue his work, eventually collecting over 2,000 tiles from around 60 different countries. These tiles cover the entire 125-meter length of the staircase. Among them, about 300 were hand-painted and decorated by the artist himself.
The work stands out in its surroundings and has contributed to the revival of this Rio de Janeiro neighborhood by drawing in tourists and curious onlookers. The result is considered a major piece of Brazilian street art. In May 2005, the staircase was designated a historic monument by local authorities, and its creator was named an honorary citizen.
The Selarón Steps in pop culture
The Selarón Steps have appeared in music videos for artists such as rapper Snoop Dogg and the Irish rock band U2. They have also served as a backdrop for commercials for brands including American Express, Coca-Cola, and Kellogg's.
When you visit Santa Teresa, I recommend taking the Selarón Steps. The Chilean artist of the same name covered the steps with various mosaics that made him famous. Today you will see hundreds of influencers there taking photos. Try to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. The atmosphere is cheerful even if some of the alleys in the immediate vicinity are not recommended in the evening.