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Užupis Angel

The Užupis Angel is the sculpture that presides over the central square of this Vilnius neighbourhood, which proclaimed itself an independent "republic". The work by Romas Vilčiauskas was unveiled in 2002, on the fifth anniversary of that symbolic independence, and commemorates Zenonas Šteinys, regarded as the neighbourhood's patron. The sculptor did not arrive in time for the unveiling ceremony, so an egg was put in its place and the locals were told that the angel would soon hatch. The figure blows a trumpet from a pedestal of about 8.5 metres, as an announcement of the district's artistic rebirth. The square, on Užupio Street, has a fountain and cafés around it. Every 1 April, the community celebrates the neighbourhood's independence day at the angel's feet. The sculpture is part of the city's "Talking Sculptures" initiative: a QR code at the base lets you start a conversation with it.

Things to do at Užupis Angel: 4 missions

• Read the Užupis Constitution on Paupio StreetWalk to Paupio Street, a few steps from the square, and look for the plaques with the 41 articles of the neighbourhood's Constitution, translated into dozens of languages.
• Look at the angel blowing the trumpetStand at the foot of the pedestal and look up until you see the angel with its trumpet.
• Walk around the square to see its fountainWalk once around the angel's square and find the fountain in it.
• Scan the QR code and talk to the sculptureLook for the QR code on the base and scan it to start the conversation from the "Talking Sculptures" initiative.

Near Užupis Angel

Source: Turismo oficial - El Ángel de Užupis