Anděl is located in Smíchov (Prague 5) and is an ideal starting point for exploring Prague. There are a number of hotels, shopping centres and restaurants. It is a crossroad of several public transportation lines (metro, trams, buses). Anděl is adjacent to the Lesser Town and the New Town. There are also several places of interest, such as the Smíchov Synagogue and the Church of St Wenceslas.
History
In 1870, there used to stand a house with a fresco of an angel after which the district was named. However, the house was demolished in 1980. Anděl connects Smíchov, originally a separated part of the city, with Prague. In the past, a train station was built in Anděl and horse-drawn trams and later electric trams used to drive through the area. After 1980, Prague Metro’s Line B was built beneath the district.
At the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, shopping centres, multiplex cinemas, office buildings, hotels and apartments were built in Anděl. Nowadays, Prague Metro’s Anděl Station (B) is one of the busiest stations in Prague.
Places to see in Anděl
Jewish historical monuments
With its functionalist architecture, the Smíchov Synagogue is a unique building in Prague. It was reconstructed to this style in the 1930s. From WWII, it was not used for religious purposes. Currently, the building is used for an archive of the Jewish Museum.
Christian historical monuments
The Church of St Wenceslas in Anděl is a neo-Renaissance basilica built in the second half of the 19th century. There is also the Basilica of St Peter and St Paul in Vyšehrad, a church founded by Czech King Vratislaus II already in the 11th century. The Vyšehrad Cemetery, a burial ground of famous Czech personages, is another significant historical monument.
Modern architecture
The administrative complex Golden Angel was built in a modern architectural style and was finished in 2000.
Museums and galleries
The Kingdom of Railways is a truly unique exhibition – the biggest display of train models in the whole of the Czech Republic. In addition to train models and several hundred metres of tracks, there are also car models and miniatures of various Czech buildings.
The Portheimka Gallery is another interesting place to visit. It is located in a Baroque summer palace that was declared a national cultural monument. The Portheimka Glass Museum holds its exhibitions in very attractive halls. There is also a stylish café with a summer garden.
Relaxation
The Na Skalce Park is a perfect place to relax. Other options include the Asian Spa – Thai and Chinese massages and the Beer Spa – Angel Spa, one of the most beautiful and pleasant beer spas in the Czech Republic.
Culture
The shopping centre Nový Smíchov offers a wide range of shops. Visitors can choose between two multiplex cinemas – Cinema City and Cinestar. There is also the Orfeus Theathre, which focuses on underground culture.
Where to eat
With its folk style focused on the period of the First Czechoslovak Republic, Pilsner Urquell Original Restaurant TRADICE is famous for its traditional Czech cuisine. Staropramen Brewery Restaurant is a good choice for a quick lunch and beer at a reasonable price. The Potrefená Husa chain offers a combination of various traditional and modern meals.
Fiasko Burger Anděl restaurant is a place to go for good burgers at a good price. Bernard Pub Anděl is another option. Pastva Restaurant offers vegan meals and the Thai restaurant Modrý zub is a perfect choice for lovers of Asian cuisine.
Coffee
Being located on the grounds of a former cabinetmaker’s shop, Kavárna, co hledá jméno café offers fine coffee and delicious breakfast choices in an unusual environment. Click Coffee café, located near the shopping centre, is a perfect choice for those in a hurry. Cakes, pralines and chocolate taste great with a cup of coffee in Čokoládová cukrárna confectionery.