Overview:

Melk Abbey is a Benedictine abbey on the banks of the Danube River in Lower Austria. It is one of the most famous examples of Baroque architecture in the country. The abbey complex was founded in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 18th century to its present appearance. It is a popular tourist destination and a working monastery. The abbey contains a large library and a decoration of ceiling frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr and the recently restored 90 m long main nave with frescoes by Paul Troger. The marble sculptures of the four Evangelists in the sanctuary are considered masterpieces of the Austrian late Baroque. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Austria
Prominent Features:

1. Gothic architecture: Melk Abbey stands as a grand example of the Austrian regional variation of the late Baroque Gothic style. Its two dominant towers and their famous onion-shaped domes remain a striking silhouette on the Austrian skyline. 2. Paintings and frescoes: The interior walls of the abbey's many rooms are fully decorated and adorned with intricate religious paintings and frescoes, displaying everything from Old and New Testament scenes to scenes from the life of Saint Benedict. 3. Monastery Library: The Baroque library contains numerous medieval manuscripts and over 80,000 volumes, considered to be a treasure trove of knowledge and art. Some of the books date back to the 11th century. 4. Luscious Gardens: The abbey is surrounded by inviting and verdant gardens, featuring everything from fountains and tranquil ponds to winding paths and secondary chapels. 5. Stunning Views: The abbey is situated conveniently at the edge of the Danube River Valley, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountain range. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Austria.

History:

Melk Abbey is a Benedictine abbey located on a rocky outcrop above the town of Melk, Austria. Founded in 1089, it is one of Austria's most magnificent monasteries. The abbey and its impressive Baroque architecture have been visited by many famous individuals over the centuries, including Mozart, Beethoven, and Goethe. The abbey was founded by Leopold II, Margrave of Austria, who dedicated it to the Virgin Mary and to Saint Coloman, a Hungarian prince-martyr. Construction of the abbey started in 1089 and was completed in 1093. Throughout its history, Melk Abbey has served as a center of Benedictine monasticism, enforcing the abbey’s many core beliefs and running the school and the hospital. Melk Abbey was destroyed by fire multiple times throughout its history and underwent major restorations in Baroque style in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. During the 19th century, it was transformed into a school and library whose collections include one of the oldest and largest monastic libraries in the world. The abbey was given to the Congregation of the Benedictines of the English Province in 2006. The abbey’s library and archives are now part of the UNESCO World Heritage List as a major center of learning. Today, the abbey is open to visitors, and they can explore its beautiful monastery gardens and architectural wonders. Since its founding, Melk Abbey has been a cultural and intellectual hub in eastern Austria, and its presence continues to be appreciated by its many visitors today. Sources: https://www.austria.org/things-to-do/melk-abbey/ https://benedictinesofmelk.com/about/history-of-the-abbey/ Visit one of the famous monuments of Austria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Melk Abbey was founded in 1089 by Leopold II, Margrave of Austria and is one of the most significant Baroque monasteries in Europe. 2. It is home to one of the world's largest monastic libraries containing over 100,000 ancient volumes and manuscripts. 3. It is located atop a cliff with a sweeping view of the Danube River, surrounded by a large garden. 4. The interior of the abbey is decorated with frescoes, marble and ornamentation that make it a unique example of Baroque art. 5. The abbey also holds one of the world's most important collections of cultural treasures, which includes imperial throne insignia and one of the oldest surviving exemplars of the Gutenberg Bible. 6. Melk Abbey is a Benedictine monastery and is still home to a community of Benedictine monks today. 7. The Melk monastery is a popular destination for tourists and more than 770,000 people visit each year. 8. The abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the large collection of art works and works of architecture found inside its walls. One of the historical monuments of Austria, it tells the story of a bygone era