Vaduz - the capital of Liechtenstein

Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein, a dwarf state in Central Europe associated with Switzerland. The main city of a very small country (160.4 square kilometers) does not impress with the size and number of inhabitants. The capital of Liechtenstein is more surprising, because it is home to less than 6,000 people. Despite the small population of Vaduz, the city has everything necessary to proudly wear the title of capital.

Liechtenstein is a monarchical state under the constitution, headed by a prince. Currently, the country is ruled by Prince Hans-Adam II, who lives with his family in a castle high above Vaduz.

Behind the external gloom, characteristic of the medieval castle, modern and comfortable interior spaces are hidden, where large salon halls, elevators and beautiful staircases adjoin to tapestries, paintings and a collection of antique weapons. From the windows of the castle a magnificent panorama opens: the Alps, the Rhine and the picturesque Vaduz - the capital of Liechtenstein.

Vaduz is an ancient city with a long history. According to one version, it was founded in the XIII century. The sights of the capital clearly reflect the diversity of styles of urban architecture in different historical epochs. In the center stands the neo-Gothic cathedral, dedicated to Florin Remiussky, who lived in the IX century. According to legend, the saint became very popular in the edge of vineyards and wines after he repeated one of the acts of Jesus - turned water into wine. The church, whose construction was completed in 1873, served as a regular parish church for over a hundred years, and in 1979 it was declared the Pope's cathedral of the archdiocese of Vaduz.

The Prime Minister and four advisers represent the executive branch of the state of Liechtenstein, whose capital, among its attractions, proudly represents a beautiful building - the Government House. Here is also the seat of parliament - unicameral Landtag, which consists of 25 deputies. The small number of government bodies does not prevent a small state from remaining a prosperous industrial country with a well-developed sector of financial services and high standards of living (second only to Qatar).

The capital of Liechtenstein has its own city council, which operates in the town hall, built in 1933. It is interesting as the external appearance of the building, stylized as an architectural monument of the Middle Ages, and interior decoration. The hall for meetings is decorated with images of the rulers of the principality of Liechtenstein and the metropolitan burgomasters.

Despite the absence of the airport and the railway station (from the nearest station in the neighboring city - only 2 km), Vaduz is a developed tourist center. A fascinating pastime for tourists is visiting museums (National, Post, Contemporary Art), as well as a local post office - a favorite place for philatelists from all over the world. The issue and sale of unique brands by Liechtenstein's mail is an important income item for the principality.

One of the most attractive places in the capital is the National Picture Gallery, which belongs to the family of the prince. In the storehouses of this building are collected real treasures - about one and a half thousand canvases of world famous artists: Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Rubens and others. To see the masterpieces, you need to get permission from the prince himself. Ordinary visitors have to be content with acquaintance with a small part of the collection and purchase reproductions of inaccessible canvases.