Liechtenstein Castle (Vienna, Austria) - history, excursions, expositions. Exact address, phone number, cost of entrance tickets. Local legends and ghosts.
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| Liechtenstein Castle |
The quaint castle of Liechtenstein is the closest example of powerful architecture of the Middle Ages to the Austrian capital and the nest of the Liechtenstein family, the permanent rulers of the principality of the same name, which is one of the world's dwarf states. The uniqueness of the castle is in its elongated, but very narrow architectural plan, due to which the fortress looks like it literally grew out of the ground at the edge of the Vienna Woods.
The name "Liechtenstein" literally means "light stone" - the fact is that for the construction of the castle material was used in light beige shades from the nearby quarry of St. Margarethen.
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| Liechtenstein Castle |
A bit of history
The history of Liechtenstein Castle begins in 1130. It was then that the founder of the Liechtenstein dynasty decided to lay the foundation of the dwelling, which was destined to become the cradle of this noble family and their centuries-old fiefdom. Two centuries later, the castle is already called the home of the Liechtenstein, but then the decline of the fortress begins - it passes from hand to hand, after which it is destroyed by the Turks. In further history, the castle was rebuilt, destroyed and rebuilt again, and the last damage was inflicted on it by the hostilities of the Second World War. In the fifties of the 20th century, Liechtenstein was restored by the efforts of the townspeople, and as a token of gratitude, the principality handed it over to the local municipality for rent. Well, since 2007, the castle, like more than 800 years ago, has been run by the family of its founders.
What to see
Liechtenstein Castle is made up of massive walls directed upward, a minimum of narrow windows, but an unexpected abundance of architectural elements - turrets, scalloped tops and balconies. The foundations of the walls and the underground chambers of the castle are the most ancient of its elements; it is one of the few valuable examples of Romanesque architecture in Austria. In the central Great Hall of the palace, you should pay attention to the skilfully executed beamed vaults, weapons and furnishings of the 19th century, and in the living quarters - to the original alcove of the Romanesque style.
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| Liechtenstein Castle |
The eastern balcony of the castle offers a breathtaking view of the valleys of the outskirts of Vienna, and in good weather you can even see Bratislava from here.
The jewel of Liechtenstein Castle and one of its oldest structures is the Chapel of St. Pancratius, built in the 1130s by the founder of the dynasty. Here you can see a medieval pictorial masterpiece - the image of the Crucifixion of Christ, made in red chalk in the 13th century. Today, services are still held here, and the bells calling them are a gift from the princess of the principality of Liechtenstein.
Guided tours of Liechtenstein Castle began in the 19th century, and this tradition has not been interrupted until today: tours start every hour and cover all the premises of the castle.
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| Liechtenstein Castle |
Address and opening hours
Address: Am Hausberg 1, Maria Enzersdorf.
Opening hours: from March to October - from 10:00 to 16:00, in July and August - until 17:00; in winter - from 10:00 to 15:00. A visit to the castle is possible only under the guidance of a guide, excursions start every hour.
Entrance fee - 9 EUR, family tickets - 19 and 25 EUR.
Website: burgliechtenstein.eu.