Beneath the watchful eye of a golden angel, lies Anděl. This bustling square pulsates with the rhythm of modern Prague. Yet, it whispers tales of a quieter past. Anděl, meaning “angel” in Czech, derives its name from the 19th-century U zlatého anděla (Golden Angel) pub. This pub, once adorned with a fresco of an angel, marked this important crossroads. The angel, a silent witness to centuries of change, still graces the area. A preserved painting of the angel, rescued from the demolished pub, now greets visitors near the metro station entrance. Anděl is a major transportation hub. Metro Line B courses beneath the square, connecting it to the heart of Prague. Trams crisscross the area, their bells a constant counterpoint to the city’s hum. Lines 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, and 20 converge here, carrying passengers to all corners of the city. Above this network of transport, Anděl remains a pedestrian zone. In the late 1990s, Anděl underwent a dramatic transformation. The French architect Jean Nouvel designed the Zlatý Anděl (Golden Angel) office building. This striking glass and steel structure, perched above the metro station, features a unique facade. An image of an angel from Wim Wenders’ film “Wings of Desire” is etched into the glass. Quotes from Rainer Maria Rilke, a poet who found inspiration in Prague, are also displayed on the building. This modern landmark stands in stark contrast to the remnants of Anděl’s industrial past. Just across the square lies Nový Smíchov, one of Prague’s largest shopping malls. It houses a multiplex cinema and numerous shops. It’s a testament to Anděl’s evolution from a humble crossroads to a vibrant commercial center. A silent reminder of Anděl’s layered history also exists. The Smíchov Synagogue stands nearby, a testament to the area’s diverse cultural heritage.
Lochkovský potok
Listen closely. Have you ever felt the hush of a hidden stream a secret whispered among the trees? That’s the