Durnstein’s Prangerplatz (Pillory Square) is the center of the most photographed village in the Wachau, below the ruined castle where Richard the Lionheart was held captive in 1192-1193 after his return from the Third Crusade. Duke Leopold V demanded a ransom equal to twice England’s annual royal revenue. The castle ruin is a 30-minute steep climb from the square; the Baroque church tower in blue and white is the Danube landmark. Durnstein is on the Wachau Danube cycling path. Free. Rail to Durnstein-Dross, boat, or bike.
square in Duernstein
Prangerplatz
The Prangerplatz is the main square of Durnstein in the Wachau, the village most famous for the ruined castle where Richard the Lionheart was held captive in 1192-1193.
- Type
- square
- Destination
- Duernstein
- Cost
- Free to visit
- Founded
- 16th century
- Era
- Renaissance
- Address
- Prangerplatz, 3601 Duernstein, 3601 Duernstein
- Coordinates
- 48.2426, 15.2049