Lyla Lindsey
Liechtenstein, officially the Principality of Liechtenstein, is a small landlocked country in Central Europe, nestled between Switzerland and Austria. The country's history is closely tied to Austria, and the ruling House of Liechtenstein owns castles and palaces in both countries. One such castle is Castle Liechtenstein in Austria, which was the ancestral seat of the Liechtensteins and dates back to at least 1130. The family also owns castles and palaces across Europe, including in Germany. Liechtenstein was part of the German Confederation presided over by the Emperor of Austria, and its ruling princes derived wealth from estates in Habsburg territories, spending much time in their palaces in Vienna. The country's borders have remained unchanged since 1434, and its history includes invasions by Austrian troops during the Thirty Years' War and joint defence against Italian forces with Austria during the Austro-Prussian War. Given this deep historical connection, it is worth exploring whether Liechtenstein may seek to reclaim castles historically associated with their ruling family from Austria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Baden-Württemberg, Germany |
| Construction | Gothic Revival |
| Construction Year | 1840-1842 |
| Architect | Carl Alexander Heideloff |
| Owner | Dukes of Urach |
| Current Status | Open to visitors during selected times with a guided tour |
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What You'll Learn
The ancestral seat of the Liechtensteins is in Austria
The House of Liechtenstein, from which the principality takes its name, is the family that reigns by hereditary right over the country. The family originates from Liechtenstein Castle in Lower Austria, which they possessed from at least 1136 to the 13th century, and from 1807 onwards. The castle is located near Vienna and was built by the family's progenitor, Hugo von Liechtenstein (who died in 1156), on a fief he received from the Babenberg margraves of Austria.
The Liechtensteins acquired land predominantly in Moravia, Lower Austria, Silesia, and Styria. However, as these territories were all held in feudal tenure from more senior feudal lords, particularly the Habsburgs, the family held little power in the Holy Roman Empire. Thus, they sought to acquire lands directly from the Holy Roman Emperor, which they achieved in 1699 with the purchase of the Lordship of Schellenberg, and in 1712 with the County of Vaduz. On 23 January 1719, Charles VI, the Holy Roman Emperor, united and raised these lands to the dignity of a Principality, naming it "Liechtenstein" in honour of his servant, Anton Florian of Liechtenstein.
Despite their acquisition of these lands, the Liechtensteins continued to live in their residences in Vienna, Liechtenstein City Palace and Liechtenstein Garden Palace, and on their larger estates in Moravia and Bohemia. It was not until the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1938 that the family moved their residence to Vaduz.
Today, Liechtenstein Castle in Lower Austria serves as the family museum of the House of Liechtenstein.
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The castle was destroyed twice in local wars
The history of Lichtenstein Castle is a long and tumultuous one, with the site being embroiled in conflict and changing hands several times over the centuries. The castle, located in the Swabian Jura of southern Germany, has certainly led a colourful life.
The castle was first built in the early 12th century by the Lords of Lichtenstein, a respectable and noble family who owned much of the land and controlled important resources in the region. However, their fortress was constantly attacked by the citizens of the nearby Free Imperial City of Reutlingen, and it was destroyed twice in local wars. The first destruction occurred during the imperial civil war of 1311, and the second took place between 1377 and 1381, with some sources pinpointing the year to be 1377.
After the second siege, the Lords of Lichtenstein decided to build a new and more robust fortress that could withstand attacks. The new castle, constructed in 1390, was located about 500 metres away from the old one. This new structure was one of the most impressive fortifications of the Late Middle Ages, incorporating modern military features such as early casemates, making it nearly impregnable. Despite its strength, the castle ceased to be the ducal seat in 1567 and fell into disrepair.
The castle changed hands multiple times, and in 1687, the last member of the Lichtenstein family died during the Great Turkish War. The castle was then taken over by the Tyrolean line of the Habsburg family, whose coat of arms—a pair of golden angel wings on a blue background—is still displayed in the castle's Great Hall. The castle continued to deteriorate, and in 1802, it was acquired by King Frederick I of Württemberg, who dismantled it and replaced it with a hunting lodge.
In the 19th century, there was a romantic revival of interest in medieval architecture and chivalry among the elites. This movement influenced the design of Lichtenstein Castle when it was rebuilt in the Gothic Revival style. The new castle, constructed between 1840 and 1842, was inspired by German poet and patriot Wilhelm Hauff's 1826 novel of the same name. The ruins of the old medieval castle remain a few hundred metres away from the current structure.
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It was rebuilt in the 14th century
The history of Lichtenstein Castle is a long and fascinating one. Located in the Swabian Jura of southern Germany, the castle has undergone several transformations over the centuries. The original castle, built around 1100, was destroyed twice – first during the imperial civil war of 1311 and then by the citizens of Reutlingen between 1377 and 1381. It was then rebuilt in the 14th century, specifically in the year 1390, and this new iteration stood out as one of the most impressive fortifications of the Late Middle Ages. This castle was constructed about 500 metres away from the ruins of the old one. It featured early casemates, making it nearly impenetrable, and served as the ducal seat until 1567 when it fell into disrepair.
The history of this castle showcases the resilience and determination of its owners, who, even after facing destruction twice, rebuilt an even more impressive structure. This new castle, with its advanced fortifications, stood strong for many years until it eventually changed hands and fell into a state of neglect. The site selected for the new castle was the same as that of the current structure.
The 14th-century rebuilders of the castle, located in the Reutlingen district, chose a site that offered both strategic advantages and breathtaking views. Perched at an altitude of 817 metres, the castle loomed over the Echaz Valley, with the Echaz River flowing about 250 metres below. This location provided a natural defence, with the escarpment marking the northwestern edge of the Swabian Jura.
The castle's impressive fortifications and strategic location served the owners well, ensuring their safety and solidifying their power during the Late Middle Ages. Despite the loss of its status as the ducal seat in 1567, the castle remained a testament to the architectural advancements of its time. Its sturdy construction and defensive features contributed to its longevity, even as it later fell into disrepair.
The castle's history didn't end with its 14th-century rebuild, though. Over the centuries, it changed hands multiple times, and its ownership became intertwined with various royal families. The castle was occupied by the Tyrolean house of Freisleben from 1508 to 1588. In 1529, it suffered damage at the hands of the Osmanians, leading to a period of rebuilding from 1533 onwards. Eventually, in 1687, during the Great Turkish War, the last member of the Lichtenstein family passed away, and the castle came under the control of the Tyrolean line of the Habsburgs.
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The castle is now privately owned
The Gothic Revival castle, Lichtenstein Castle, is now privately owned by the Dukes of Urach, who are descendants of Duke Wilhelm of Urach. The castle is located in the Swabian Jura of southern Germany, overlooking the Echaz valley near Honau, Reutlingen, in the state of Baden-Württemberg. It stands at an altitude of 817 meters (2,680 feet) and is about 250 meters (820 feet) above the Echaz River.
The history of the castle dates back to the 12th century when it was home to the Lords of Lichtenstein, a noble and highly regarded family in the region. The original castle was destroyed twice, once during a civil war in 1311 and again in 1377 by the citizens of Reutlingen. After the second destruction, the Lords of Lichtenstein decided to rebuild the fortress at a new location, 500 meters away from the original site, where the present-day Lichtenstein Castle stands.
The new castle, completed in 1390, was one of the most impressive fortifications of the Late Middle Ages. It incorporated modern military features such as early casemates, making it virtually impregnable to attacks. However, the castle ceased to be the ducal seat in 1567 and fell into disrepair. In 1687, the last member of the Lichtenstein family died, and the castle was taken over by the Tyrolean line of the Habsburg family.
During the 19th century, there was a Romantic revival movement in Europe, which glorified the past and longed nostalgically for medieval times. This movement influenced the design of Lichtenstein Castle, which was rebuilt between 1840 and 1842. The new castle was inspired by German poet and patriot Wilhelm Hauff's 1826 novel 'Lichtenstein', which featured the castle as a major setting. The castle was designed by architect and restorationist Carl Alexander Heideloff, who was recruited by Count Wilhelm of Württemberg, a descendant of the original Lichtenstein family.
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It was restored after World War II
Liechtenstein maintained its neutrality during World War II, and its army of 80 men was disbanded as far back as 1868. However, the country was still affected by the conflict. The most valuable treasures of the royal family that were located outside the country were moved to Liechtenstein and Britain for safekeeping. But the castles and 1,600 sq km of land in Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia were seized by Germany.
After the war, Czechoslovakia and Poland considered these possessions to be German property and took control of them, creating legal controversies that have lasted for decades. In 1945, German collaborator Boris Smyslowsky escaped into the country with 461 surviving men of the German 1st Russian National Army, and some of them received asylum in Liechtenstein.
During the war, the princely family of Liechtenstein owned land in Austria, and a later inquiry found that they had not known that the managers of this land hired Nazi forced labour. In the immediate aftermath of the war, Liechtenstein was in dire financial straits and the dynasty often resorted to selling family artistic treasures. The country was also affected by the Cold War, with its citizens forbidden to travel to Czechoslovakia.
Despite the hardships, Liechtenstein was restored after World War II. Efforts to restore the castle began immediately after the war, and the walls were restored in 1980, the second floor in 1998, and the upper floor and roof in 2002.
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Frequently asked questions
The early history of Liechtenstein Castle dates back to the 12th century when it was home to the Lords of Liechtenstein, a noble family of the era. The castle was destroyed twice due to civil war in 1311 and 1377. The new castle, completed in 1390, was one of the most impressive fortifications of the Late Middle Ages. In 1687, the last member of the Lichtenstein family died, and the castle came into the possession of the Imperial Austrian Habsburg family.
Liechtenstein Castle is located in the Swabian Jura of southern Germany. It overlooks the Echaz Valley near Honau, Reutlingen, in the state of Baden-Württemberg.
Liechtenstein Castle is a Gothic Revival castle. It was designed by Carl Alexander Heideloff and its name means "shining stone" or "bright stone".
The current castle was built in the mid-19th century but stands on the foundations of a castle from the 14th century.
Yes, Liechtenstein Castle is open to visitors during selected times with a guided tour.
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