Melk Abbey
Fast Facts
- Location: In Abbot Berthold Dietmarystrasse, Melk between Vienna and Salzburg
- Attraction type: Monastery
- Significance: A Palace converted into a monastery with intricate and finely painted interiors
- Best Time to visit: May to September
- Visiting Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- How to Reach: By highways A1, B1, B33; or by train from Vienna or Salzburg to Melk Abbey Station
- Nearest International Airport: Vienna International Airport
Melk Abbey on the right bank of River Danube is a resplendent representation of Baroque architecture. Built originally as a palace with towers atop, Melk Abbey in Austria was converted into a monastery in the 11th century. Architect Jakob Prandtauer designed the impressive façade and artist Johann Michael Rottmayr executed the exemplary fresco paintings. The library of Melk Abbey has an enviable collection of medieval manuscripts. Controlled by Benedectine monks, this abbey also runs a monastery school of over 700 pupils.
Melk Abbey History
The history of Melk Abbey goes back to Roman period when it existed as a fortress beside River Danube. It was referred to as 'Medelika' in the German epic poem 'Nibelunngenkied', and was under the control of the Habsburgs after 976 AD. Thereafter in the 11th century, Leopold II of Babenberg presented this palace to Benedictine monks. The monks fortified this palace and converted it into an abbey. During Turkish invasion in the 1680s, Melk Abbey suffered heavy damages, the reconstruction of which took place between 1702 and 1736 to give its final shape. Once again the magnificent monastery was damaged by fire in 1947, which also has been repaired and restored.
Visiting Melk Abbey
Begin your Melk Abbey visit from the Marble Hall or Marmorsaal featured by ceiling painting by Paul Troger and red marble coated pilasters. The library also has a painting of Troger on the ceiling and a collection of 80,000 invaluable volumes. The Emperor's Gallery along side the library is 650 feet long and features portraits of Austrian royals.
The Abbey Church or Stiftskirche is the most outstanding portion of Melk Abbey with huge number of windows embellished with marbles. Fresco paintings by Michael Rottmayr are other highlights of Abbey Church.
In the monastery, restaurant built in impressive Baroque style savors their internally made wines and hot meals.
Accommodation in Melk Abbey
Melk Abbey being easily accessible from Vienna, it is convenient to put up in a hotel of your preference in this capital city. There are about 75 hotels in all categories some of which are Grand Hotel Wien, Hilton Vienna, Hotel Sacher Wien, Rathaus Wein & Design Hotel, and Hotel Das Triest.
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