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| 0791 LIECHTENSTEIN - Vaduz Castle |
Posted on 12.08.2013, 11.08.2015
Vaduz, the capital of the principality of Liechtenstein, is located along the Rhine, and has about 5,100 inhabitants. Mentioned in 12th-century manuscripts as Farduzes, it seems that was founded circa 1322 by the Counts of Werdenberg. In 1719 Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor, decreed the unification of Vaduz and Schellenberg, and raised the new structure to the dignity of Fürstentum (principality), with the name Liechtenstein, in honour of "(his) true servant, Anton Florian of Liechtenstein". The most prominent landmark of the city is Vaduz Castle, the home of the reigning prince of Liechtenstein and the Liechtenstein princely family. The castle is visible from almost any location in Vaduz, being perched atop a steep hill in the middle of the city.
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| 1809 LIECHTENSTEIN - Vaduz Castle and the coat of arms of Liechtenstein |
The earliest mention of the castle dates from 13th century, but it was certainly built long time before. The Bergfried (the keep) was erected in 12th century, and parts of the eastern side are the oldest. The chapel of St. Anna, with a main altar in late-Gothic style, was presumably built in the Middle Ages. In the Swabian War of 1499, the castle was burned by the Swiss Confederacy, but it was rebuild, and the western side was expanded by Count Kaspar von Hohenems (1613-1640). The Princely Family of Liechtenstein acquired Vaduz Castle in 1712. It underwent a major restoration between 1905 and 1920, then again in the early 1920s, and was expanded during the early 1930s. The castle isn't open to the public, because the princely family still lives in it.
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