The Angel of Užupis: Before Him Stood an Egg

In the square where Užupio, Malūnų and Paupio streets meet, a bronze angel stands on a tall column and blows a trumpet. It is the brightest symbol of the Republic, announcing the district's rebirth and artistic freedom. But before the angel descended, an egg stood there for a year.

A small chapel of the Crucified once stood in the same place and was demolished during Soviet times. On April 1, 2001, a large egg was unveiled there - a sign of rebirth, life and beginning. Another, more earthly version is also told: the sculptor did not finish the angel in time, so the egg took his place for the ceremony. Either way, the egg did its work - the Angel soon "hatched" from it, while the egg itself was later sold at auction and today stands on Pylimo Street.

On April 1, 2002, the Angel descended in the square - the work of sculptor Romas Vilčiauskas and architect Algirdas Umbrasas. It was the result of five years of volunteer labour and donations, completed without state support. The Angel blows his trumpet as if declaring that a neglected quarter once called the "street of death" has risen again.

In the stories of Užupis, the Angel is not only decoration but also guardian: since his descent, a "field of protective force" is said to hang over the Republic, and the sound of his horn draws people from all over the world. The image of the Angel also connects other Republic stories - in 1998 a copy was ceremonially presented to Valdas Adamkus when he became president.

The Angel is closely linked to the Užupis anthem, where the pavement rises "so the angel has a place to land". He recalls a foundational thought of the Republic: a place can be revived not by money, but by creativity and faith. Today the Angel is one of the most visited places in Užupis and an essential photo stop.

How to visit the Angel and other main places is covered in Places to see.

Further work: add the egg auction story and its current location on Pylimo Street; add a page for sculptor Romas Vilčiauskas, also author of the Mermaid; add archive photos and videos from the unveiling ceremony.