Minaret

The Minaret, also called the Turkish Tower, is a building on the axis with the palace. This magnificent work was built by Alois Joseph I according to plans by the architect Joseph Hardtmuth at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. It is an exceptional construction of this character in Europe and it is one of the highest on the continent at almost 60 metres. It has been opened to the public since 2017, after 40 years and 15 years of restoration.

According to an old tale, the great patron of the arts Alois Joseph I of Liechtenstein wanted to build a church on the site of today´s minaret. Among his subjects he met resistance (nobody knows why), so they were not able to agree on the site, and Alois got angry. In order to show them his power, he ordered to build a mosque with a minaret to spite his subjects. The subsoil of floating sands, usual in the floodplain of the Dyje river, did not allow such a grand plan. The construction started and ended with the minaret. That is the legend.

When you come here today, nothing (except fear of heights) should prevent you from enjoying the view of the highest gallery. The first floor consists of eight halls, where the Liechtenstein had a collection of decorative oriental objects. The floors of the halls are covered with a stone mosaic and the ceilings and walls are decorated with zigzag inscriptions of a Moorish manuscript.

The tour includes the eight restored rooms, including original oriental furniture and two marble chess tables. Visitors will learn hear the story of this extraordinary building and learn about the large park surrounding the palace.

Read the story of the Lednice Minaret