Vaduz
Vaduz is the capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein, the seat of the authorities and parliament and has been the princely residence since 1939. The first documentary mention dates back to 1150. The County of Vaduz, which comprises the main part of today's Principality, was created from the old judicial district of Vaduz in 1342 through the division of the Sargans-Werdenberg possessions.
The Counts of Werdenberg zu Vaduz, the Barons of Brandis from the Emmental, the Counts of Sulz from the Klettgau in Baden and the Counts of Hohenems from Vorarlberg ruled as sovereigns at Vaduz Castle, which was built around 1300. In 1592, Vaduz was granted market rights by Emperor Rudolf II.
In 1712, Prince Johann Adam of Liechtenstein acquired the County of Vaduz and seven years later, Emperor Charles VI united it with the Lordship of Schellenberg and elevated the area to an imperial principality. Vaduz became the capital and Vaduz Castle has been the permanent residence of the Princes of Liechtenstein since 1939.
The Principality of Liechtenstein is an independent state in the Alpine region between Switzerland and Austria and covers an area of 160 square kilometers. Vaduz lies on the eastern bank of the Rhine, at the foot of the "Dreischwesternmassiv". The former farming village, which was known for its excellent wine, has become a bustling residential town with banks, commercial buildings and service businesses.
