Picture of Vaduz Castle (Schloss Vaduz), Residence Hotel, Städtli, Vaduz, Liechtenstein,

Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images

At the time of our brief visit in Mid August of 2023, Vaduz Castle was under-going a major renovation and was closed to the public.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgGT5xuXRkE

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZ8NONv0-Cs

Vaduz Castle is a medieval hilltop castle overlooking Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. It is the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein and a key symbol of the country. Here's an overview:

History
The castle dates to at least the 12th century, with its earliest known mention in 1322.
Initially owned by the Counts of Werdenberg, it later changed hands through various noble families before being acquired by the Liechtenstein family in the 18th century.
Significant renovations were undertaken in the early 20th century under Prince Franz Josef II to make it suitable as a princely residence.
Ownership
Vaduz Castle is owned by the Princely Family of Liechtenstein, currently headed by Prince Hans-Adam II. It has been the princely residence since the 1930s.

Visitation
Unfortunately, Vaduz Castle is not open to the public because it remains a private residence of the princely family.
However one can admire the castle from the outside and enjoy stunning views of it from nearby vantage points.
The castle's location on a hill provides panoramic views of Vaduz and the Rhine Valley.
Public celebrations, like Liechtenstein's National Day on August 15, often include events near the castle grounds, allowing visitors to experience the festive atmosphere close to the castle.

The current prince of Liechtenstein is Prince Hans-Adam II. His full name is Johannes Adam Ferdinand Alois Josef Maria Marko d'Aviano Pius von und zu Liechtenstein.

Key Facts About Prince Hans-Adam II:
Born: February 14, 1945, in Zurich, Switzerland.
Reign: He became the reigning Prince of Liechtenstein on November 13, 1989, succeeding his father, Prince Franz Josef II.
Role: While he remains the Head of State, in 2004, he delegated most of his day-to-day ruling powers to his eldest son, Hereditary Prince Alois, as part of a gradual transition of responsibilities.
Prince Hans-Adam II is well-known for modernizing Liechtenstein’s economy and political system. He is also a strong proponent of maintaining the country's sovereignty and unique political structure.

Liechtenstein became an independent country through a series of historical developments tied to its strategic alliances and political maneuvering within the Holy Roman Empire and later European statecraft. Here’s an overview:

Founding of Liechtenstein
Formation: The Liechtenstein family, originally from Austria, sought a seat in the Holy Roman Empire's governing body, the Imperial Diet, to gain greater political influence.
Territorial Acquisition: In 1699, the Liechtenstein family purchased the Lordship of Schellenberg, and in 1712, they acquired the County of Vaduz. These two territories formed the modern principality.
Recognition: On January 23, 1719, Emperor Charles VI of the Holy Roman Empire issued a decree elevating Vaduz and Schellenberg into the Principality of Liechtenstein, named after the Liechtenstein family. This marked its status as a sovereign state within the empire.
Path to Full Independence
End of the Holy Roman Empire (1806): The dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire by Napoleon Bonaparte left Liechtenstein in a unique position. It became a member of the Confederation of the Rhine, effectively gaining greater autonomy.
Congress of Vienna (1815): After Napoleon's defeat, the Congress of Vienna reorganized Europe. Liechtenstein became part of the German Confederation, maintaining its sovereignty.
Full Independence (1866): The German Confederation dissolved after the Austro-Prussian War. Liechtenstein chose not to join new alliances, marking its complete independence. It disbanded its army and has remained a neutral state since.
Modern Sovereignty
Liechtenstein solidified its status as an independent nation through its neutrality and diplomacy:

It remained neutral during both World Wars.
In 1921, it adopted its current constitution, further defining its political system.
Its economic and political ties to Switzerland (such as adopting the Swiss Franc in 1924) have supported its stability.
Today, Liechtenstein is a sovereign microstate known for its high standard of living, economic prosperity, and status as a constitutional monarchy led by the Prince of Liechtenstein. CHAT GPT

Taken in: Liechtenstein / Vaduz / Städtli (show map)

Taken on: August 14, 2023

Tags:

Picture

Vaduz Castle

Städtli

Vaduz

Liechtenstein

Town Square

Vaduz Town Square

Saturday August 12 2023

Day 4

August -September 2023 Trip

August 2023

European Trip 2023

Apple iPhone 14

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

IPhone

shotoniphone

Europe road trip

Residence Hotel Vaduz

Residence Hotel « less

Sets appears in: • Switzerland & Liechtenstein - 2023 • EUROPE TRIP 2023

Stats: 65 views