Melk

Melk has always been an important cultural and spiritual center of Austria. We spent the majority of our visit in this charming littel Austrian town at the Abbey.

Leopold I made the Melk castle his residence in 976. In 1089 Leopold II gave the castle to Bendictine monks from Lumbach. Since that time monks have lived and worked here without interruption. Since the 12th century a school has been connected with the monastery and many valuable manuscripts have been collected and created here. In the 15th century the monastery was the focal point for an important reform movement.

The monastery today consists of a small secondary school, some gallery spaces with exhibitions, and a lovely baroque building housing the church and libraries. The church itself is incredible ornate and dates from 1702. It is an imposing structure seated on top of the highest point around overlooking town and the Danube

After our tour, we took a long meandering walk through the town of Melk. It had lots of lovely little shops and cobblestone paths. Once back at the boat we got ready for bike ride while the rest of hte passengers prepared for a cruise down the Danube to Durnstein.