Have you noticed how the Diebsturm looms with an aura of mystery? It is a silent witness to centuries of Liechtenstein’s rich history. This imposing tower whispers tales of emperors and princes.
Welcome to the Diebsturm. It is more than just an old tower. It is a symbol of Liechtenstein’s journey through time.
The Diebsturm’s story begins long ago. The region was first settled in the Neolithic Period around 4000 BC. Later, the Romans captured it in 15 BC. It became part of the Roman province of Raetia. After the Roman Empire fell, the Franks ruled the area. Alemannic migrants arrived and the region grew more German.
The story of modern Liechtenstein started with the Princes of Liechtenstein. They bought the County of Vaduz in 1712. They also bought the lands of Schellenberg in 1699. In 1719, they merged these lands. This formed the Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein. Oberland in the south and Unterland in the north became the two electoral constituencies. This historical division still exists today.
The family from which Liechtenstein takes its name originally came from Liechtenstein Castle in Lower Austria. They had possessed it since at least 1140. The Liechtensteins acquired land, predominantly in Moravia, Lower Austria, Silesia, and Styria.
In 1396, Vaduz gained imperial immediacy. It became subject to the Holy Roman Emperor alone.
Prince Johann Adam Andreas purchased the lands of Schellenberg in 1699. He purchased the County of Vaduz in 1712. On January 23, 1719, Vaduz and Schellenberg were united. Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor, elevated the new territory. It became the Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein.
The Holy Roman Empire was dissolved in 1806. This happened during the Napoleonic Wars. Liechtenstein gained sovereignty through the Rhine Confederation. It joined the German Confederation in 1815.
Prince Johann I granted Liechtenstein a limited constitution in 1818. A customs treaty with Austria was established in 1852. The army of Liechtenstein was abolished in 1868.
A new constitution came into force in 1921. A customs treaty with Switzerland was made in 1924. The Swiss franc became the currency. The Princely Family moved to Vaduz Castle in 1938.
Liechtenstein became a member of the International Court of Justice in The Hague in 1950. It joined the Council of Europe in 1978. In 1990, it became the 160th member of the UN. Liechtenstein joined EFTA in 1991. It acceded to the European Economic Area in 1995. It also joined the World Trade Organization in 1995. A new constitution came into force in 2003.
Liechtenstein’s borders have remained unchanged for nearly 300 years. Today, it stands as the last remnant of the Holy Roman Empire.
As you stand before the Diebsturm, consider its enduring presence. It is a reminder of Liechtenstein’s long and fascinating history. It evolved from a poor agricultural society to a highly industrialized country.