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Melk is a Danube River town in Austria, home to a marvelous Benedictine Abbey that sits on a steep hill overlooking the town. This Benedictine Abbey was founded in 1089, and Melk has been a cultural and spiritual center of Austria ever since. Monks have continually lived and worked in the Melk Abbey for over 900 years, despite the building having been rebuilt numerous times. Near the beginning of the 18th century, the ochre-colored Melk Abbey was completely reconstructed in the Baroque style, with quiet arched passageways, large courtyards, and the monks' residences, a school, and ornate church inside.
A tour of the Melk Abbey is included on Danube River cruises. Buses carry passengers to the top of the abbey hill, and a guided tour of the rooms and artwork is included. The large reception room and library are particularly impressive. Rather than return to the ship on the bus, most passengers walk the short distance down the hill to explore Melk before strolling back to their ship.
River cruises sailing the Danube River always stopover in Melk near the Wachau Valley of Austria to allow guests to tour the Melk Abbey.
Stairway to Melk Abbey From Parking Lot
These steps lead down to the Melk Abbey. However, cruise visitors must walk up the steps to reboard the bus or walk down through the town to the ship.
Melk Abbey
Melk Abbey
Melk Abbey Courtyard
The Melk Abbey has several courtyards such as this one near the entrance that is open to the public.
Melk Abbey Staircase
Melk Abbey Passageway
Model of Melk Abbey
Some of the interior rooms at the Melk Abbey have exhibits of jewelry, religious vestments, and artwork. This model of the abbey shows the size of the complex.
Melk Abbey Walkway
Large Reception Room at Melk Abbey
Reception Room Pillars at Melk Abbey
If the Melk Abbey were a palace rather than a religious facility, this room would be perfect as a ballroom. Instead, it is used for receptions (but no dancing).
Reception Room Pillars at Melk Abbey
Sometimes it is important to use a camera or binoculars to zoom in on artwork near the ceilings such as that topping these pillars.
Library at Melk Abbey
Melk Abbey Interior
Saint Skeleton at Melk Abbey Church
Saint Skeleton at Melk Abbey Church
Melk Abbey Grounds and Gardens
Melk Abbey Grounds
Melk, Austria
View of Melk, Austria From the Melk Abbey
Flooded Melk Summer Amphitheater
The Danube River flooded the summer amphitheater the day before it was set to open for the summer season in 2008. What a mess!
Flooded Danube River
The Danube River usually stays within its banks; however, it sometimes floods small towns such as lovely Melk.
Danube River
Note how quiet and lovely the river is compared to the next photo, taken when it was flooded.
Flooded Danube River at Melk
The same view from the Melk Abbey as the previous photo, except the Danube River is flooded and muddy.