Freyung
Triangular medieval square once granting sanctuary to fugitives, ringed by baroque palaces and a grand river fountain.
Location
About this audio guide
This guide to Freyung in Vienna traces the right of asylum once granted by the Schottenstift, the Irish-founded monastery whose gift from Duke Henry the Second let fugitives step onto this square and become untouchable by law. You'll hear how the old word frey gave the square its name, and meet the debtors, thieves, and deserters who relied on that centuries-old sanctuary. Listen for how the bronze Austria Fountain now watches over the square that once sheltered them.
This audio guide was created using AI.
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