Liechtenstein is a dwarf state, picturesquely located in a tiny area between Austria and Switzerland. Despite its extremely compact size, the principality offers tourists an unrivaled vacation amid stunningly beautiful alpine nature. Liechtenstein's sights are few in number, but most of them are very distinctive and authentic.
Getting to know Liechtenstein usually starts from the capital Vaduz. The ancient city, picturesquely stretched out in the upper reaches of the Rhine River, is famous for its centuries-old history and amazing atmosphere, reminiscent of the scenery for an old fairy tale.
In the capital, the most notable is the Old Town with its authentic medieval churches and narrow cobblestone streets. The most famous architectural monument of the Old Town is the stately Vaduz Castle. Built at the turn of the 12-14 centuries, it remains to this day the main residence of the ruling dynasty of the principality.
The medieval castle rises majestically on top of a hill, offering simply dizzying views of the entire tiny Liechtenstein. You can climb to the castle on foot, but the journey, even in the best weather, usually takes at least an hour. The road to the castle is pretty picturesque. Along the way, you can admire the textbook Alpine landscapes to your heart's content.
Please note that most of the year the interior of the castle is not accessible to tourists, but occasionally local historians still organize small group excursions, during which you can see the most luxurious rooms of the castle, as well as admire the magnificent paintings from the prince's private gallery.
The doors of the castle are open for everyone only once a year. Every year on August 15, Liechtenstein's National Day, local aristocrats arrange a feast in the courtyard and invite all residents and guests of the state to enjoy delicious national cuisine. This holiday is traditionally accompanied by a vibrant city carnival and mass festivities.
In addition to Vaduz Castle, the city's hallmark is also the old Cathedral with a simple laconic facade and a bell tower. Often shrouded in dense fog, the cathedral is not easy to find in the Old Town. It is located slightly away from the rest of Liechtenstein's attractions. Its modest appearance is slightly lost against the background of other historic buildings.
St. Florin is considered the main patron of the temple, but it is reliably known that St. Florin of Remus has never been to Liechtenstein and has nothing to do with this place. The holy righteous man has long been considered the patron saint of wine, and since from time immemorial some of the best vineyards in Europe have been grown on the territory of the principality, it is not surprising that at one time the royal family erected a cathedral in honor of this saint.
The building of the cathedral was built in a strict neo-gothic style. Its main entrance is adorned with a double-sided stone staircase with wrought iron railings, while the main tower features tall Gothic windows and an antique gilded clock with a dark red dial. In the niches next to the temple, you can see beautiful sculptures of the Virgin Mary. Inside the temple are the burials of many famous royal figures.
One of the most beautiful castles in Liechtenstein is undoubtedly the Gutenberg Castle, located in the Balzers community near the Swiss border. The first mention of the castle dates back to the middle of the 13th century, however, according to the assumptions of historians, the construction of the castle began much earlier.
Rising on the top of a 70-meter hill, the castle has always occupied an advantageous strategic position, therefore in the Middle Ages it was used mainly as a powerful fortification and defensive structure. Most of the time, the entrance to the castle is closed for tourists, but sometimes various cultural events are still held within its walls. On all sides, the castle is surrounded by numerous vineyards, and to the east of it there are the picturesque ruins of the ancient church of St. Nicholas.
Among the natural attractions of Liechtenstein, the Three Sisters Mountain can be distinguished. The picturesque rock with three high peaks is part of the Alpine Mountains. It is located in the vicinity of the capital near the Austrian border.
The height of the highest peak reaches 2053 meters above sea level. The top of one of the mountains is decorated with the barely visible ruins of a medieval castle, which was once the private residence of the prince. On one of the peaks, you can also see a well-preserved Gothic castle with a chapel, dating from around the 9th century.
Liechtenstein's museums are very interesting and unusual. The Principality National Museum is housed in a medieval building dating from the mid-15th century. It is noteworthy that once there was a princely residence, but at the end of the last century, a significant restoration was carried out in the old building, after which the National Museum was located within the walls of the residence. Today, the vast collections of the museum are mainly represented by items related to the history of the principality.
Fans of contemporary modernist art should visit the Museum of Fine Arts, located in the capital of the principality. The expositions of the museum are widely represented by the works of modern masters, among which there are especially significant paintings from the personal collection of the prince.
