Melk Abbey : The Abbey Church

The Abbey Church is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. It was between 1702 and 1736 as part of the grand reconstruction of the abbey and reflects the wealth and influence of the Benedictine monks.

St Michael's Altar

An unknown catacomb saint was given to the abbey in 1722

Melk Abbey : The Spiral Staircase

This staircase led us down to the Abbey Church.

Melk Abbey : The Library

We regret that we were unable to see the library. Restoration work on the library started in January 2026 and is expected to be completed in 2032. A collection of more than 16,000 books was moved to another location. 

Taken from Stift Melk website

Melk Abbey : The Balcony

The Balcony is actually a terrace that connects the Marble Hall and the Library. We could see Melk and the River Danube.

The Danube

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