Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Melk is one of the most popular destinations in Austria so you certainly won't be alone
on its cobbled streets. It's also one of the few places in the Wachau that has a pulse in
winter, making it a year-round option.
Sights
Stift Melk
(Benedictine Abbey of Melk; 555 232;
www.stiftmelk.at
;
Abt Berthold Dietmayr Strasse 1; adult/child €10/5.50,
with guided tour €12/7.50; 9am-5.30pm May-Sep, tours 11am & 2pm Oct-Apr)
Of the many abbeys in
Austria, Stift Melk is the most famous. Historically, Melk was of great importance to the
Romans and later to the Babenbergs, who built a castle here. In 1089 the Babenberg mar-
grave Leopold II donated the castle to Benedictine monks, who converted it into a forti-
fied abbey. Fire destroyed the original edifice, which was completely baroque-ified
between 1702 and 1738 according to plans by Jakob Prandtauer and his disciple, Josef
Munggenast. It's claimed nine million bricks were used to create the 500 rooms - don't
worry though, you don't have to visit them all! (Most of the complex is taken up by a
school, monks' quarters and offices.)
Possibly Lower Austria's finest, the huge monastery
church
is enclosed by the build-
ings, but dominates the complex with its twin spires and high octagonal dome. The interi-
or is baroque gone barmy, with regiments of smirking cherubs, gilt twirls and polished
faux marble. The theatrical high-altar scene, depicting St Peter and St Paul (the two pat-
ron saints of the church), is by Peter Widerin. Johann Michael Rottmayr created most of
the ceiling paintings, including those in the dome.
Other highlights include the
bibliothek
(library) and the
Marmorsaal
(Marble Hall); both
have amazing
trompe l'æil
-painted tiers on the ceiling (by Paul Troger) to give the illu-
sion of greater height, and ceilings are slightly curved to aid the effect. Eleven of the im-
perial rooms, where dignitaries (including Napoleon) stayed, are now used as a some-
what overcooked concept
museum.
Before or after a tour of the main complex, take a spin around the
Nordbastei
where
you'll discover some quirky temporary exhibitions, a viewing terrace and the
Stift's
gift
shop.
A combined ticket with Schloss Schallaburg is €17.50. From around November to
March, the monastery can only be visited by guided
tour
( 11am & 2pm daily)
. Always
phone or email ahead, even in summer, to ensure you get an English-language tour.
ABBEY
