Melk Abbey: A Baroque Marvel on the Danube

This photograph captures the Melk Abbey, also known as Stift Melk, as we approached it on our Danube River cruise. Located in the charming town of Melk in Lower Austria, this Benedictine monastery boasts a rich history dating back to the 11th century. Originally a royal palace, it was transformed into a Benedictine monastery in 1089, and the magnificent Baroque-style abbey we see today was meticulously constructed between 1702 and 1736. One of the things that sets Melk Abbey apart, in my view, is its abbey church. However, the real gem lies within the abbey's library, which houses a vast collection of ancient manuscripts and precious texts. I remember visiting this library more than 30 years ago, and I can't recall whether I read Umberto Eco's famous novel "In the Name of the Rose" before or after my visit to the abbey. Regardless, both experiences left a lasting impression on me. In recognition of its immense cultural and historical importance, Melk Abbey was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in the year 2000 – Melk, Wachau Valley, Austria.