One of Rio’s best loved attractions, the steps leading up from Rua Joaquim Silva became a work of art when Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón decided to cover the steps with colorful mosaics.

Nestled between the bohemian neighborhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa sits the vibrant, impressive Escadaria Selarón, a staircase covered in more than 2,000 pieces of colorful tiles, mirrors and ceramics.

The steps are a dedication to the Brazilian people, the 215 steps of bright tiles, is a product of sheer determination in a vivid riot of colour. The steps are a source optimism and inspiration for locals and tourists alike.

The artist, Selarón, traveled the world and moved to Rio in 1983, in a tiny house just in front of the desolate stairway connecting the areas of Lapa and Santa Teresa. His project started by collecting tiles in urban areas of Rio and eventually continued by tile donations by visitors from all around the world.

Tragically, in 2013 the artist was found dead at the age of 65 in front of his house on the very steps he spent 20 years of his life working on.

Address: stairway between Joaquim Silva in Lapa & Pinto Martins in Santa Teresa