The staircase linking Lapa to Santa Teresa has become one of Rio’s most photographed sights: 215 steps covered in colorful tiles — green, yellow, blue and red — with pieces from all over the world.
It is the work of Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, who lived on the steps. In 1990 he began renovating the stairs in front of his house and never stopped: for more than two decades he kept replacing and adding tiles, until his death in 2013.
There are about 5,000 pieces from some 120 countries — many brought by visitors. Selarón often included images of a pregnant woman, a self-portrait from a hard time in his life, as well as tiles with flags and tributes.
Officially the staircase is called Rua Manuel Carneiro. It starts on Rua Joaquim Silva, in Lapa, and climbs to the Santa Teresa Convent. In 2005 the city declared it cultural heritage and made Selarón an honorary citizen.
Tips: go in the morning, when it is quieter and the light is good for photos. Climb slowly to catch the details — some tiles carry messages from visitors from many countries. Combine the visit with the Lapa Arches and the Cathedral nearby.