One of Rio's best-loved attractions, the steps leading up from Joaquim Silva in Lapa became a work of art when Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón (1947–2013) decided to cover them with colorful mosaics as an ode to the city he decided to stay in after traveling the world. The Lapa Steps have become a symbol of Rio nearly on the level of Cristo, appearing in music videos like "Beautiful" by Snoop Dogg and Pharrell and in the feeds of virtually every travel influencer.
A dedication to the Brazilian people, the 215 steps are a vivid riot of color. Selarón accumulated tiles from more than 60 countries and installed them on the existing steps that were used for centuries by pilgrims to pray in Santa Teresa. Selarón started the steps in 1990 and finished a decade later. He kept adding them until his death in 2013, when his charred body was found on his masterpiece. The cause of death is suspected to be suicide.
