Vaduz is the capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein, the residence of the sovereign and seat of the authorities and the parliament.

The first documentary evidence goes back to about 1150. In 1342 the county of Vaduz was established, which now includes the main territory of the present principality.
The landmark of Vaduz is the castle with its oldest parts including the donjon having been built as early as in the 12th century and having been extended several times during the centuries. The massive round towers date back to the 16th century. Vaduz, a formerly rural village, primarily renowned for its exquisite wine, has grown to become a busy place with industry, banks and business buildings, the centre of tourism in the Principality of Liechtenstein. Sights, recreational and leisure facilities of the Liechtenstein residence Vaduz is pleased about all guests and gives them a warm welcome. The cultural and strolling promenade in the centre with its cosy restaurants, street cafés and attractive shops practically seduce one to stay. The visitor is also offered manifold possibilities for entertainment, recreation and sports. In the Rhine Park Stadium, built in 1998, there have already been numerous European Cup and international soccer matches. In addition, the new Inline Skating Facility presents a chatting possibility and challenge for experienced and less experienced skaters at the same time. The diverse cultural programme (Vaduz Concerts, Vaduz Film Festival, etc.) attracts visitors from the entire region to Vaduz.

The «Government Quarter»
The Vaduz neo-Gothic Parish Church – constructed according to the plans of the Viennese architect and builder of the Vienna City Hall, Friedrich von Schmidt, consecrated in 1873 – was proclaimed a cathedral when the Archbishopric of Vaduz was established by Pope Johannes Paul II. on 2nd December 1997. The State Parliament and Government Building situated nearby was constructed from 1903 to 1905 according to plans of the Viennese architect Gustav von Neumann.
To the north there is the old «Landvogtei», erstwhile residence of the landed bailiffs (since the 16th century). It is connected with the Liechtenstein State Museum. The Museum is housed in an originally late Gothic building (constructed at about 1500). Johann Wolfgang von Goethe spent the night here on the occasion of his return from Italy from the 1st to the 2nd of June 1788. This building was also used as a customs office for a longer period of time and from 1865 to 1905 it served as the government seat. The house where the famous Liechtenstein composer Josef Gabriel von Rheinberger (1839-1901) was born dates back to the 16th century and it is today home to the Liechtenstein Music School.

The Vaduz City Hall: Strength and Determination of the Bourgeoisie
In the centre of the Vaduz city, affectionately known as «Städtle», the Vaduz City Hall, built in 1933, testifies to the «strength and determination of the Vaduz Bourgeoisie into the distant future...», as it was expressed on the occasion of the opening of the new building anno Domini 1933. Today the Vaduz City Hall is still a dignified external symbol of democracy and of the bourgeoisie. It has become a modern service centre for the 5000 inhabitants of the community.

Art Museum of Liechtenstein
The Principality of Liechtenstein is in possession of one of the most remarkable private art collections of the world. Parts of it have been presented to art lovers from all over the world in the new Art Museum of Liechtenstein since November 2000.

Recreation and relaxation
Only a part of the visitors to Vaduz knows the exten- sive hiking trails and bicycle tracks along the Rhine flowing through the Alps, the wonderful, peaceful forest paths above the village centre, the recreation facility of Haberfeld or the numerous other areas of natural beauty. Paved streets along vineyards meander through the historical village parts renovated with tender loving care past the medieval Red House up to lonely forest paths, one of which leads to the castle ruins of Schalun which the locals call «Wildschloss».

For more informations: http://www.vaduz.li/