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 landscapes and a sense of comfort and tranquility. What attractions are definitely worth a visit in this country? Why is the capital of Liechtenstein interesting ?
Dwarf state
Liechtenstein is considered a dwarf state, since its area is only 160 square meters. 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 lands were divided into duchies. The Principality of Liechtenstein appeared in 1719, after the family of Liechtenstein acquired the lands of Shelenberg and Vaduz, and Anton Florian received the status of prince of sovereign dignity.
Throughout history, the principality experienced various influences and combined the features of Austrian, Bavarian, Swiss cultures. Locals speak the Allemanic dialect of German , although standard German is considered official.
A hundred years ago, the state did not have a high level of economy, now it is among the first states in terms of living standards. The lion's share of the budget is industry and taxes from the registration of international enterprises. The rest adds postage stamps and tourism. Every year, Liechtenstein's post office issues several rare postage stamps that collectors are happy to purchase. Their sale is 10% of the country's budget.
Liechtenstein Attractions
More than half of the country's territory is occupied by the spurs of the Rhetian Alps, which descend into the Rhine river valley . 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, the city of Eschen with a 14th-century parish church, St. Martin's Church and two old chapels. In Triesenberg, there is the Town Hall and the Church of St. Joseph with stained-glass windows and beautiful sculptures.
In the town 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 in order to practice rock climbing.
Schellenberg is an interesting 16th-century castle and the remains of an ancient fortress. In winter, ski slopes open in Malbün and Steg. They also ice-skate, hang gliding and mountain climbing.
Vaduz
The city of Vaduz - the main city of Liechtenstein - is quite small in size, only 5 thousand inhabitants live in it. Presumably, the city existed even before the XII century, but it was from this period that it appeared in written sources, then its name sounded like Farduzes. It is officially accepted that Vaduz founded the Earl of Verdunberg in the 13th century.
The main attraction of the city is Vaduz Castle. Stadtle Street, on which it is located, is also worthy of attention. Here is the city hall and the main buildings of Vaduz: joint-stock companies, Bank Liechtenstein, shops and a museum.
The country's national museum dates from 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 Liechtenstein government, is an example of architecture of various periods and eras. The city hall and the government house, as well as a music school deserve special attention.
Nearby is the neo-Gothic church of St. Florin of 1873. In the old part of the city is the Gothic chapel of Gasthof-Leuven, built back in 1388.
Capital Castle in Liechtenstein
The fortress of the Middle Ages is the main symbol of the city and its hallmark. Vaduz Castle was built around the 12th century. The original foundation has been preserved to our time, and the castle itself was repeatedly rebuilt 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 the medieval chapel of St. Anne with an altar, which, obviously, was erected later and made in the late Gothic style.
During the Swabian war, the Swiss destroyed the Vaduz castle, but the foundation still survived. 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, Vaduz Castle is the residence of the current Prince of Liechtenstein, which is why wide access to the castle is closed. The prince's family acquired the castle in 1712, together with the county.
Conclusion
Why go to Liechtenstein? The sights of the country are ancient churches, castles and chapels in small mountain towns, cozy streets, crazy alpine landscapes and an active sports pastime. All that is needed in order not to remain indifferent.