“Selaron’s Steps” or “Escadaria Selaron” as the Brazilians call it is mentioned as one of the city sights in the video clip of the 2016 Olympics.

The mentioned stairway is located in Lapa neighborhood and consists of 215 steps. The steps are leading to Santa Teresa Monastery. As for the name, it is connected to Chilean-born Brazilian artist Jorge Selaron. He settled in Lapa neighborhood in the 80s of the previous century. Selaron started renovating the steps with ceramic tiles from the 90s. This stairway is considered one of the most important works of the artist. It became the city site in 2005. It is known that Selaron dedicated his work to the Brazilian people. That is why yellow, blue and green colors are dominant in the stairway.

At first Selaron brought ceramic tiles himself. Then, neighbors started helping him and in the end tourists brought him tiles from different countries. It took him 20 years to finish his work. The house of Selaron is next to the stairway.

On January 10, 2013, the police found dead body of 65-year-old Selaron in his house. He had burn marks on his body. According to some versions, it was a suicide but some think Selaron was killed. However, Selaron’s case is not investigated.

“Selaron’s Steps” is considered one of the bohemian places of Rio de Janeiro but beggars and drug addicts gather here. However, the mentioned place never lacks tourists.

Lasha Tabagari, special correspondent of worldsport.ge from Rio de Janeiro