Piracaia, 86 kilometers from São Paulo, is transforming one of its most iconic landmarks into an even more exciting experience. The famous Piracaia Staircase, which leads to the Santo Cruzeiro Lookout, is being given a colorful makeover that will turn it into an open-air art gallery!
Already known as the Open-Air Mosaic Staircase, the project combines religious tourism and urban art. When completed, it will be yet another reason to visit this city in the interior of São Paulo, which offers scenic views, history, and excursions through mountains and reservoirs.
Piracaia, in São Paulo, will have the largest mosaic staircase in Brazil!
Built in 1946, the staircase has 590 steps and leads up to the Santo Cruzeiro, a 14-meter-tall crucifix that is one of the largest in the world. After 80 years, its steps will be adorned with 236,000 ceramic tiles that will form images depicting the history of Brazil and Piracaia.
The project was designed by artist Dennis Esteves and will feature ten figures along its length. The goal is for the mosaic staircase to be more than just a passageway—it will become a visual experience of colors, symbols, and narratives that celebrate the municipality.
What else is there to do in Piracaia?
According to the São Paulo State Government, the new attraction will be 500 meters long and will be the largest mosaic staircase in Brazil. The inauguration is scheduled for February 2027, but visitors to Piracaia can already get a taste of what’s to come!
Visitors can already see some of the mosaics that adorn the steps amidst the natural surroundings. In addition, Piracaia is full of attractions, such as Pedra do Carmo, Pião Waterfall, the Grotto of Our Lady of Aparecida, and the Santo Cruzeiro Lookout itself, which offers a panoramic view of the region. That’s why it’s worth visiting this destination right now!
