Melk Abbey, Benedictine monastery and museum in Melk, Austria.
The complex sits on a rock above the Danube riverbed and shows a yellow facade stretching over 300 meters. The structure follows the baroque style with a church at the center, flanked by wings housing the library and ceremonial hall.
Margrave Leopold II founded the monastery in 1089 and handed it over to the Benedictines for administration. The current building arose between 1702 and 1736 following plans by Jakob Prandtauer after a fire destroyed the medieval predecessor.
The name comes from a Slavic word meaning border, pointing to its early role as a frontier post of the empire. Today many visitors come for services in the abbey church or to hear the organ during liturgical events.
The rooms are open from April to October and the route leads through the Imperial Staircase to the Marble Hall, then to the library and finally into the church. The site sits on a hill, so comfortable shoes are recommended for stairs and slopes.
In 2008 National Geographic Traveler awarded the monastery the title of best historical destination worldwide. The jury recognized the care for the building and responsible tourism at the site.
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