VADUZ

'Vaduz' (pronunciation in IPA: or ) is the capital of the principality of Liechtenstein and the seat of the national parliament. The town, located along the Rhine, has about 5,248 inhabitants, most of whom are Roman Catholic. Its cathedral is the seat of a Roman Catholic archbishop.
While Vaduz is better known internationally, it is actually not the largest town in the principality: neighbouring Schaan has a greater population.

Contents

History

Landmarks

Museums

Tourism

Other information

Pictures

External links

History

Vaduz is said to be mentioned in historic 12th century manuscripts as Farduzes. It is however commonly believed to have been founded in the 13th century by the Counts of Werdenberg. In 1322 a mention of the castle is made, which was sacked by the Swiss in 1499.

Landmarks

The most prominent landmark of Vaduz is the Vaduz castle, the home of the reigning prince of Liechtenstein and the royal family. The castle is visible from almost any location in Vaduz, being perched atop a steep hill in the middle of the city. The members of the Liechtenstein royal family are amongst the most accessible royals in the world. Locals and tourists can frequently spot them strolling along the streets of Vaduz and shopping in the supermarkets.

Museums

Vaduz has three museums. An excellent art museum called the Liechtenstein Museum of Fine Arts contains, amongst many other items, the personal collection of the reigning prince. A postage stamp museum, close to the Museum of Fine Arts, has a counter where tourists can get the official stamp of Liechtenstein sealed in their passports as a souvenir entry. The National Museum, with an excellent collection of historical European items, was recently renovated.

Tourism

Vaduz has a lively tourist industry, despite being one of the very few capital cities in the world without an airport or railway station. The closest railway station is that of Sargans, a Austrian town roughly 7km from Vaduz's centre. Vaduz has a very efficient bus network with frequent connections to Sargans and Buchs(in neighbouring Switzerland). Mobile tourist offices are parked in central areas during the tourist seasons, with helpful officers guiding the tourists. The city has a lively country market selling unique handmade souvenirs.

Other information

The Curta mechanical pocket calculator was manufactured here by the company Contina AG Mauren.
Vaduz has also its local football (soccer) club, FC Vaduz which, as the other clubs in Liechtenstein, plays in the Swiss Professional League.

Pictures

The city centre of Vaduz

Vaduz Castle, one of the town's primary landmarks

Rheinpark Stadium

Vineyards in Vaduz

Souvenirs from Vaduz

Closest railway station, Sargans

External links

★ Official website of the Commune of Vaduz