Melk, Historic market town in Lower Austria, Austria
Melk is a town in Lower Austria situated along the Danube, with steep narrow streets, medieval fortifications, and a Renaissance town hall built in 1575. The setting slopes down toward the river, with buildings clustered closely together within the old defensive walls.
The town originated as a Roman frontier fortress called Namare on the Danube frontier. It gained market privileges in 1227 and grew into a trading center, eventually receiving full municipal status in 1898.
Saint Koloman holds deep significance in local identity, with his name appearing throughout the town's landmarks and streets. Visitors notice how this religious connection shapes the way people relate to their community and its history.
The town is compact enough to explore on foot, though cyclists will find the Donauradweg path convenient for reaching neighboring areas. Local information centers can direct you to walking routes along the river and through the surrounding countryside.
The Haus am Stein, dating from the 15th century, still displays the original construction techniques and materials used by medieval builders. It stands as a rare example of how houses were actually built during that period.
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