Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein, a dwarf state in Central Europe associated with Switzerland. The main city of a very small country (160.4 sq. Km) is not impressive in size and number of inhabitants. The capital of Liechtenstein is rather surprising, because less than 6,000 people live in it. Despite the small population of Vaduz, the city has everything you need to proudly carry the title of capital.
Liechtenstein is a monarchical state under the constitution, the head of which is the prince. Currently, the country is ruled by Prince Hans-Adam II, who lives with his family in a castle located high above Vaduz.
Behind the external gloom inherent in the appearance of a medieval castle hides modern and comfortable interior spaces, where large halls, elevators and beautiful staircases coexist with tapestries, paintings and a collection of ancient weapons. The castle offers a magnificent panorama: the Alps, the Rhine and the picturesque Vaduz - the capital of Liechtenstein.
Vaduz is an ancient city with a long history. According to one version, it was founded in the XIII century. The sights of the capital clearly reflect the diversity of styles of urban architecture in various historical eras. In the very center stands a neo-Gothic cathedral dedicated to Florin Remussky, who lived in the 9th century. According to legend, the saint became very popular in the land of vineyards and wines after he repeated one of the acts of Jesus - turned water into wine. The church, whose construction was completed in 1873, served as an ordinary parish church for more than a hundred years, and in 1979 it was declared the Pope by the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Vaduz Archdiocese.
The Prime Minister and four advisers represent the executive branch of the state of Liechtenstein, whose capital, among its attractions, proudly presents a beautiful building - the Government House.
The parliament also sits here - the unicameral Landtag, which consists of 25 deputies. The small number of government bodies does not prevent a small state from remaining a prosperous industrial country with a well-developed financial services sector and high living standards (2nd place after Qatar).
The capital of Liechtenstein has its own city council, which operates in the town hall built in 1933.
The appearance of the building, stylized as an architectural monument of the Middle Ages, as well as the interior design are interesting. The meeting room is decorated with images of the rulers of the
Principality of Liechtenstein and the capital's burgomaster.
Despite the lack of an airport and a train station (only 2 km from the nearest station in a neighboring town), Vaduz is a developed tourist center. A fascinating pastime for tourists is visiting museums (National, Postal, Contemporary Art), as well as the local post office - a favorite place for philatelists from all over the world. The issuance and sale by mail of Liechtenstein of unique brands is an important source of income for the principality.
One of the most attractive places in the capital is the National Art Gallery, which belongs to the prince's family.
The treasures of this building contain real treasures - about one and a half thousand canvases of world famous artists: Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Rubens and others. To see the masterpieces, you need to get the permission of the prince himself. Ordinary visitors have to be content with acquaintance with an insignificant part of the collection and purchase reproductions of paintings inaccessible to viewing.