- Address: Vaduz, 9490, Liechtenstein
- Phone: +423 238 12 00
- Owner: Liechtenstein House
Liechtenstein is a little-known and difficult-to-pronounce for the Russian language name of a small but very rich European state. The name of a tiny country comes from the title and surname of the ruler. The capital of the principality of Liechtenstein is Vaduz, by our standards - the city, by local - the rural community. And the most important landmark of Vaduz today is the castle Vaduz - the residence of the princes of Liechtenstein.
History of the castle
The first mention in the chronicle of the castle Vaduz refers to the XIV century. Liechtenstein is located in the epicenter of the feudal wars region, and it is not surprising that the castle is located high on the hill, has a suspension bridge, more than three-meter walls and a high and strong central tower - the dungeon. Medieval architects knew that any of their structures would someday be attacked. The mentioned document registered the transfer of ownership of the castle of Vaduz Liechtenstein to Ulrich von Matsch.
Archaeologists agreed that the castle's dungeon was built not later than the XII century, it is the oldest part of the castle of Vaduz. The main tower is the last stage of defense, so that it would be difficult to undermine, the thickness of the foundation walls was made four meters thick. The dimensions of the tower at the base are modest: only 12 by 13 meters. The spiral staircases of the locks have always been embedded in the walls, making uneven steps in height, random protrusions, so that the enemy stumbles and loses strength and strength. Also, the climb of the ladder was designed clockwise, so that the defenders were comfortable with the sword in the right hand. On the territory of the castle a little later the chapel of St. Anne was built with an altar in the late Gothic style. In the course of the Schwab War in the XV century, the castle was virtually destroyed. When it was restored, the next owners built a round tower, and in the 17th century the western part of the castle was well expanded.
Liechtenstein purchased the county of Vaduz only at the beginning of the XVIII century, combining it with the neighboring estate of Schellenberg. As a result, in 1719 the small principality of Liechtenstein, which we now know, arose. The princes themselves at that time lived in Austria, and the castle was in a sad state: it housed a simple tavern, and before that there were soldiers' barracks for a long time. And it was only in the second half of the 19th century that the prince of Liechtenstein, Johann II, decided to make Vaduz Castle his residence. He organized a major reconstruction, which continued the heir Prince Franz Joseph II, expanding the area of buildings to 130 rooms. And in 1938 the prince's family moved, and the castle became closed to third-party visitors. Until now, there are embrasures on the walls, a cozy courtyard with ancient flower beds and fountains, a wooden cross-over bridge. The castle has its own doorman, who strictly watches that no one crosses the border of the property of the princes.
But every August 15, the most important holiday is celebrated - the National Day of the State. Liechtenstein has a rich history and centuries-old traditions , including the following: the family of the prince arranges a festival and city carnival this day, this is the only day of the year when the castle gate is open for tourists, you can walk around the garden and stroll through the courtyard. Official princes of Liechtenstein take in the most ancient staircase, several times a year they spend lavish receptions. Most excursions to this day pass beyond the walls of the residence, occasionally some groups are allowed inside the wall. Such excursions are conducted by local historians, they will show you an old masonry in the courtyard of the castle of Vaduz and will open the chapel. In the castle itself is kept the best private collection of paintings in the world. You will not see it, of course, but you will be recommended where to get a collector's album with all the masterpieces - such a thing will become an excellent souvenir for memory or a gift to relatives.
How to get there?
Castle Vaduz is located on a hill above the city of Vaduz, it can be seen from all sides. Independently to explore the castle and its surroundings more interesting on foot, from the city to the castle is a good road Schlossweg, a walk will take you about an hour. Rising along the road to the hill, you can see very beautiful views of the city. In addition, along the entire road signs are installed with historical information about the Principality of Liechtenstein. Approximately in the middle of the road there is a small parking lot, you can reach it by taxi or a rented car.
Not far from the castle are other interesting sights that every tourist is obliged to visit - the State Museum of Liechtenstein and the Postal Museum .| | | |
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