Eschen

What is a dove doing with a bloody piece of wood? You might wonder when you see the Eschen coat of arms. Eschen is a village full of such peculiarities. It is the largest municipality in Liechtenstein’s Unterland region. But did you know it’s actually a divided village with an exclave called Rheinau-Tentscha? This exclave is a sliver of land separated from Eschen by a narrow strip belonging to the neighboring Gamprin. Right here in Eschen, history whispers from the hillsides. The name “Eschen” itself, dating back to its first documented mention as “Essane” in 842, speaks to this. Derived from the Celtic “esca,” meaning “located by the water,” it likely refers to the Esche stream that still flows through the village today. Speaking of history, take a look at the church. The St. Martin parish church, with its soaring neo-Gothic architecture, stands as a testament to Eschen’s enduring spirit. Built in 1894 upon the foundations of its medieval predecessor, it reminds us that progress and tradition can coexist harmoniously. Adjacent to the church, you’ll find the Pfrundbauten, structures dating back to the 14th century. These buildings stand as silent witnesses to the village’s long association with Pfäfers Abbey, which held the parish of Eschen until its dissolution in 1838. And if you’re curious about the dove on the coat of arms, it’s a nod to this very abbey. The dove, carrying a bloody piece of wood in its beak, is borrowed from the abbey’s own coat of arms and symbolizes the legendary founding of Pfäfers Abbey. So, as you wander through the heart of Eschen, remember: You’re not just walking through a village, but through centuries of captivating history.