Liechtenstein's princely residence and landmark high above Vaduz, first documented in 1322. Owned by the House of Liechtenstein since 1712 and lived in since 1938, it is not open to the public.
Vaduz Castle sits high above the capital and is Liechtenstein's most famous landmark. Its origins possibly date back to the 12th century, though the first written reference comes from 1322. Originally built as a fortress to control key Alpine passes and trade routes, it first belonged to the counts of Werdenberg-Sargans. In the 16th century the Swiss Confederacy burned the castle during the Swabian War. In 1699 the Austrian noble House of Liechtenstein acquired the neighbouring estate of Schellenberg, followed in 1712 by the county of Vaduz and its castle; in 1719 Emperor Charles VI united the two territories into the immediate imperial Principality of Liechtenstein. After years of decline caused by the Napoleonic Wars and economic hardship, Prince Franz Josef II had the castle extensively rebuilt and made habitable again in the early 20th century, moving in permanently in 1939. Since 1938 Vaduz Castle has been the permanent residence of the princely family and is therefore not open to the public.
