Melk Abbey

Melk Abbey rises like a golden crown on a rock above the Danube, a vast Benedictine monastery and one of the greatest baroque buildings in Europe. Its ornate church, its breathtaking library of ancient manuscripts under a painted ceiling, and its terraces over the river make it the magnificent gateway to the Wachau valley.

History

Margrave Leopold II of Austria gave one of his castles to Benedictine monks from Lambach Abbey in 1089, a monastic school began in the 12th century, and the library became known for its manuscripts, many with music; in the 15th century Melk led the Melk Reform, which revived monastic life in Austria and southern Germany. The present Baroque abbey was built between 1702 and 1736 to designs by Jakob Prandtauer, with frescoes in the church by Johann Michael Rottmayr and Paul Troger, in the later 18th century it became a centre of Enlightenment thought, and its fame and learning saved it from dissolution under Joseph II between 1780 and 1790 (Wikipedia, Melk Abbey).

Highlights

• The abbey church - the dazzling gold-and-marble baroque church.
• The library - the great hall of ancient books under a painted ceiling.
• The Marble Hall - the grand ceremonial hall with its frescoes.
• The terrace - the view over the Danube and the Wachau.

When to go

Spring to autumn, when the abbey and its gardens are fully open; it is a highlight of a Wachau visit by road, rail or river boat. A clear day suits the terrace views.

Things to know

It is a working monastery as well as a sight, so behave accordingly, and photography inside the church and library is restricted. It is busy in season, especially with river cruises. It is a baroque spectacle rather than a quiet ruin.

Nearby

The Wachau valley and Durnstein are downriver; Vienna is about an hour east.

Key facts