Escadaria Selarón mosaic staircase in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The famous Escadaria Selarón displays its iconic red mosaic tile walls and colorful ceramic steps in Rio de Janeiro's Santa Teresa neighborhood. Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón created this vibrant tribute to the Brazilian people.
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A Kaleidoscope of Culture
Nestled between Rio de Janeiro's bohemian Santa Teresa neighborhood and the lively Lapa district, the Escadaria Selarón rises like a rainbow carved into the hillside. Each step tells a story, covered in thousands of ceramic tiles that shimmer under the tropical sun.
The Artist's Legacy
Chilean artist Jorge Selarón dedicated over two decades of his life to this extraordinary project, transforming a simple staircase into one of Rio's most photographed landmarks. The dominant red tiles create bold walls flanking the ascent, while splashes of yellow, blue, and green dance across each tread.
Where Art Meets Daily Life
Today, the Selarón Steps pulse with energy as tourists and locals alike climb this artistic pathway. Potted succulents add touches of organic green against the geometric precision of the mosaics, while colonial-era buildings with their characteristic blue doors stand sentinel above.
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