Freyung, Vienna

The Freyung is a triangular public square in Vienna, located in the Innere Stadt first district of the city.

In the 12th century, Irish monks arrived by invitation of Duke Henry II of Austria to build a monastery.

Since the monastery had the privilege of freedom from ducal authority, as well as the right to grant protection to fugitives, the square gained its name from its proximity to the Schottenkloster.

Since the Hofburg Imperial Palace was not far, in the 17th and 18th centuries many aristocrats established their city residences at the square, as well as the neighbouring Herrengasse.

Furthermore, the Austria-Brunnen fountain, erected in 1844-1846 by Ludwig Schwanthaler in honour of Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria, sits in the middle of the square.