Melk Abbey : The Marble Hall

The Marble Hall served as a dining hall for the imperial family.

Hercules and Athena

Melk Abbey

The abbey was founded in 1089 as a Benedictine monastery (a place where monks lived, prayed, and followed the Rule of St Benedict). The current Baroque-style abbey was rebuilt between 1702 and 1736. Today, it is a World Heritage Site and one of Austria's most famous tourist attractions

We chose to visit the abbey on a Saturday because visitors are only allowed to visit the abbey without a guided tour on Saturdays. A timed entry would complicate our plan.

"I would have regretted not coming here" so said Empress Maria Theresa

The Breu Altar

Lock inside a chest

A model of Melk Abbey

Walking to the abbey

We went straight to the abbey upon reaching Melk.

Insect Hotel

A man-made structure designed to house different insects

Mitte to Melk

We took the U-Bahn from Mitte Landstrasse to Wien Westbahnhof. The train to Melk departs from Westbahnhof and takes about an hour, with a change at St. Polten. 

First escalator

We took two escalators up to the train station

Change at St Polten

One stop to Melk

Strock Feierabend

This cafe is also opposite our hotel. We came here for breakfast. We will visit Melk Abbey today.

Muffin and Panettone

Eggs and Bacon on Rye Bread

S-Bahn 1

We then took the S-Bahn to the hotel.

We bought sandwiches for dinner at the station as it was late