Mariä-Himmelfahrt-Kirche, Gothic parish church in Melk, Austria

The Mariä-Himmelfahrt-Kirche is a three-aisled pillar basilica in Melk with a net-ribbed vault carried by massive octagonal columns linked by pointed arches. The choir has a star-ribbed vault and two- and three-light tracery windows between buttresses. A neo-Gothic west front with a 55 m tower, built in 1868 to plans by Franz Schlierholz, rises above the entrance.

The parish territory passed from the Bishopric of Passau to a St. Stephen's church around 1020; when that church decayed at the end of the 15th century, the parish moved to the Marian church in the town, which was newly built by 1481. In 1693 the church passed from Passau to Melk Abbey. The west front with its 55 m tower was added in 1868 to plans by Franz Schlierholz, who reused the 1865 design of the west facade of Maria Hietzing parish church in Vienna.

The church is known for its Maria-Hilf-Kapelle on the south side, built in 1684 in thanks for deliverance from the Ottoman threat; its furnishings date from 1775. Inside stands an Innsbruck grace image, also called the Passau grace image, in a gilded frame surrounded by rays and cherub heads. The capitals combine gold, silver and copper.

The church is normally open during the day for visits and offers a quiet space to look around at your own pace. Keep in mind that access may be limited during religious services or special events.

A small chapel on the southern side was built in 1684 to express gratitude for protection during threats from the Ottoman forces. This side chapel shows how local communities transformed their fears and hopes into stone and prayer.