Liechtenstein: Vaduz Castle and other attractions of the country

The small and picturesque Principality of Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries in the world. Located near the Alps, it captivates guests with natural scenery and a sense of comfort and tranquility. Which attractions are worth visiting in this country? What is interesting about the capital of Liechtenstein?

State dwarf

Liechtenstein is considered a dwarf state, since its area is only 160 square kilometers. Km, and the population is 33 thousand people. The country is located in Western Europe, surrounded by strong neighbors - Austria and Switzerland.

In 15 BC the territory of the modern state was part of the Roman province, and in the I century belonged to the Carolingians. After the collapse of the kingdom, all the lands were divided into duchies. The Principality of Liechtenstein appeared in 1719, after the genus of the Liechtenstein acquired the lands of Shelenberg and Vaduz, and Anton Florian received the status of Prince of Sovereign Dignity.

Throughout history, the principality has experienced various influences and combined features of Austrian, Bavarian, and Swiss cultures. Local residents speak the Allemanian dialect of the German language, although the official German is considered official.

One hundred years ago, the state did not have a high level of economy, it is now among the first states in terms of living standards. The lion's share of the budget is made up by industry and taxes from the registration of international enterprises. The rest is added by the issue of postage stamps and tourism. Every year the post of Liechtenstein produces several rare postage stamps, which collectors gladly acquire. Their sale is 10% of the country's budget.

Liechtenstein: attractions

More than half of the territory of the country is occupied by the spurs of the Rety Alps, which descend to the valley of the Rhine river. Mountain landscapes, river valleys, picturesque villages and not many big cities make Liechtenstein a cozy and pleasant country for tourism.

The main tourist cities of the principality are its capital Vaduz, Esen city with the parish church of the XIV century, the church of St. Martin and two ancient chapels. In Triesenberg is the town hall and the church of St. Joseph with stained-glass windows and beautiful sculptures.

In the city of Balzers is the Gutenberg Castle, built in the XI century, the Church of St. Nicholas, the chapel of St. Peter and St. Mary. Active tourists come to Balzers also to practice rock climbing.

The city of Schellenberg is interesting with a castle from the 16th century and remains of an ancient fortress. In winter, ski slopes are opened in Malbun and Steg. Here they also skate, hang gliding and mountaineering.

Vaduz

The city of Vaduz - the main city of Liechtenstein - is very small in size, it has only 5 thousand inhabitants. Presumably, the city existed before the XII century, but it was from this period that it appears in written sources, then its name sounded like Farduzes. It is officially believed that Vaduz founded the Count of Verdenburg in the 13th century.

The main attraction of the city is the castle of Vaduz. Stadtle Street, on which it is located, is also worthy of attention. Here is the town hall and the main buildings of Vaduz: joint-stock companies, Bank of Liechtenstein, shops and a museum.

The National Museum of the country dates back to 1500 and is made in the Gothic style. Previously, the building housed a hotel, then a tavern, and even later it served for government meetings, and in the basement was a prison.

The quarter, with the main buildings of the government of Liechtenstein is a model of architecture of different periods and eras. The city hall and the government house deserve special attention, as well as a music school.

Nearby is the neo-Gothic church of St. Florin in 1873. In the old part of the city there is a Gothic chapel of Gasthof-Leuven, built in 1388.

The Metropolitan Castle in Liechtenstein

The fortress of the Middle Ages is the main symbol of the city and its business card. The Vaduz Castle was built around the 12th century. The original foundation was preserved until our time, and the castle itself was rebuilt many times until the 17th century.

The foundation of the castle is 13 meters, and its walls are about 4 meters thick. On the territory of the castle is a medieval chapel of St. Anne with the altar, which, apparently, was delivered later and executed in late Gothic style.

During the Schwab War, the Swiss destroyed the castle of Vaduz, but the ground was still intact. In the XVII century it was rebuilt, expanding the western part. In the XX century, the fortress was restored by order of Prince Johann II.

Currently, the castle of Vaduz is the residence of the incumbent prince of Liechtenstein, because of which wide access to the castle is closed. The family of the prince acquired the castle in 1712, together with the county.

Conclusion

Why go to Liechtenstein? Sights of the country are ancient churches, castles and chapels in small mountain towns, cozy streets, crazy alpine landscapes and active sports pastime. All you need is to stay indifferent.