Vaduz Castle in the Four Seasons

The two commemorative “Autumn” (face value CHF 1.40) and “Winter” (face value CHF 1.90) conclude the series “Vaduz Castle in the Four Seasons” begun last year. The series has been based on water colours by the painter Jacques Sonderer who has lived in Liechtenstein since 1983.

The “Autumn” stamp shows what is probably the most familiar view of this symbol of Liechtenstein: in its commanding position on the Castle Rock overlooking the capital and backed by a magnificent mountain panorama. The sumptuously grape-laden vines in the picture’s foreground show the artist to have painted the Castle from within the Princely vineyard, known as the Herawingert or Bockwingert. At four hectares this vineyard, which has belonged to the Princes of Liechtenstein since 1712, is the longestestablished and most important vineyard in the Principality of Liechtenstein and one of the best in the Rhine valley. Its south-westerly aspect, mild foehn climate and soil quality provide ideal conditions for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The “Winter” stamp presents a view of the mighty round tower on the Castle’s north side within whose thick walls the Prince’s celebrated art collection is housed. The picture also shows the striking Castle tower, one of the building’s oldest parts (12th century). At ground level its walls are up to 4 metres thick. Anyone wanting to see this view of the Castle must take the Quadretschaweg (Quadretscha trail), which runs above the Castle meadow from the Castle to the exclusive villa district of Vaduz.

Title: Vaduz Castle in the Four Seasons
Date of Issue: 6 September 2010
Country: Liechtenstein
Denominations: CHF 1.90, CHF 1.40