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History of Melk

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At the point where the Danube enters the region of the Wachau lies the little town of Melk, dominated by the massive bulk of the Benedictine abbey, one of the best known and most splendid monastic houses in Austria. Visible from miles away, the abbey is perched on a hill which slopes steeply down to the Danube and is accessible only from the east. Originally a Roman fortified post (Namare), Melk was later engaged by a Babenberg castle to defend the border against the Hungarians. In 1089 the castle and church were made over to the Benedictines by the Margrave Leopold II; in 1113 the bones of St Koloman were enthused there. In the 13th C. Melk became a market town. After the abbey had been damaged by fire several times the present wonderful Baroque abbey was built by Jakob Prandtauer and Joseph Munggenast between 1702 and 1738.

Tourist Attractions in Melk

Melk Benedictine Abbey

The buildings of Melk Abbey are laid out approximately seven courtyards. The most prominent part of the complex, which has a total length of 325m/1,065ft, is the west end, with the twin towered church rising above a semicircular terrace range. Conducted tours last about one hour.

Maria Taferl - Pigrimage Church
The twin-towered church, built between 1661 and 1711 by G. Gerstenbrand and C. Lurago, with domes by J. Prandtauer, has a marble doorway. Inside are Baroque ceiling paintings and other frescos; in the nave can be seen scenes from the life of St Joseph and in the transept and below the organ loft those illustrating the origin of the legend of the Virgin. Attention is also drawn to the pulpit decorated with a multitude of figures and to the organ with its rich gold decoration, both of the 18th C. On the high altar (also 18th C.) is a revered figure of the Madonna, a pietà (copy of the original which was burned in 1755), surrounded by a garland festooned with cherubs. From the hill on which the church stands there is a magnificent view over the Danube valley to the chain of the Alps, extending from the Wiener Schneeberg to the Traunstein, on the Traunsee.

Melk Benedictine Abbey – Church
The high point of the visit to the Melk Benedictine Abbey is the church, which ranks as the finest Baroque church north of the Alps. The two towers are surmounted by Baroque helm roofs, and the interior is exceptional for its architecture, statues and paintings and red and gold colorings. A unique effect has been achieved by positioning the high altar and cupola where the light from the windows can shine on them. The ceiling paintings in the nave, by the Salzburg master Michael Rottmayr (1722), depict the Glorification of St Benedict; according to legend, two monks watched him ascending into Heaven. The side altars are planned as chapels, each referring to the life of a saint, e.g. John the Baptist and St Sebastian. Of particular note are the choir stalls, the confessional chair, the organ, the artistically carved pulpit and the high altar with figures of the patron saints of the church, St Peter and Paul (18th C. by Peter Widerin). Paintings on the vaulted maximum portray the Holy Trinity bounded by saints. In 1976 a modern altar was erected incorporating parts from the old Baroque furnishings.

Schloss Schallaburg
South of Melk stands Schloss Schallaburg, with a magnificent two story arcaded courtyard and terracotta beautification, the most important piece of Renaissance structural design in Lower Austria. The Schloss is now a cultural and exhibition center.

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