Vaduz Castle- Liechtenstein

Vaduz Castle, the most prominent landmark of the town, is also the residence of the Reigning Prince of Liechtenstein. It is an ancient edifice dating back to the twelfth century with the keep and the buildings on the east side as the oldest surviving parts.

The foundations of the chapel were probably laid during the Middle Ages, however the two round bastions to the northeast and the south-west were built at the beginning of the sixteenth century. This castle had been damaged during the Swabian War of 1499. The ground plan of the tower is around 36 ft. by 39 ft. and on the ground floor the walls are up to 12 ft. thick in some places, while the north- eastern round tower has a wall thickness of 15 ft.

The original entrance stood at a height of 33 feet and was on the courtyard side. The west side was given its present form under the rule of the Counts of Hohenems (1613-1712). The Castle houses the Rotes Haus, the Parish Cathedral at St. Florin, built between 1868 & 1873, Rheinberger's birthplace with the Liechtenstein Music School, behind the Rheinberger memorial, Fürstlicher Torkel, a restaurant with wine press from 17th century, the government building built between 1903 & 1905, the National Museum, and Verweserhaus, the house of former administrator of the country.

You can also taste a variety of wines from the private vineyards of the Prince in this castle at the Hofkellerei des regierenden Fürsten von Liechtenstein, or the wine cellars of the Prince of Liechtenstein.

About 350 different wines from the whole Europe can be tasted in a specially-equipped room at Schächle's Wine Tavern. Wine-tasting is possible for groups varying from 5 to 50 people. These wines can also be bought at shop prices, anytime during the regular opening hours. Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon, 1:30 - 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to noon.

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