About
Melk Abbey is a Baroque monastery in the town of Melk, in Austria, set on a rise above the Danube River. Its position alone makes it a striking sight, and for many visitors the view from the terraces and grounds is as memorable as the buildings themselves.
What to see
- Ornate interiors, with the Baroque style that defines the abbey's character
- Stunning frescoes decorating its rooms
- Library and manuscripts, which hold priceless manuscripts and artifacts
- Beautiful gardens, a calm counterpoint to the richly decorated halls
The abbey was founded in 1089, so its story reaches back many centuries before the Baroque work that now dominates its appearance. Visitors who enjoy seeing how a religious community has layered its history into one place will find much to look at.
Planning a visit
A visit suits anyone interested in architecture, art, or old books, and it works well for those who want a relaxed morning or afternoon outdoors as well as indoors. The setting above the river means the walk around the grounds and the views are part of the experience, not just a pause between rooms.
Melk itself is a small town on the Danube, and the abbey is its best-known landmark, so the surrounding area is easy to combine with the visit. Check the current times and conditions before you go, as the facts available here do not include them.