Melk Abbey 18 October

Visited Melk’s magnificent 18th century Benedictine Abbey. The abbey was founded in 1089 when Leopold II, Margrave of Austria gave one of his castles to Benedictine monks from Lambach Abbey. A monastic school, the Stiftsgymnasium Melk, was founded in the 12th century, and the monastic library soon became renowned for its extensive manuscript collection. The monastery's scriptorium was also a major site for the production of manuscripts. In the 15th century the abbey became the centre of the Melk Reform movement which reinvigorated the monastic life of Austria and Southern Germany.
Wonderfully gold plater statues, painted ceilings and art work.Going down the spiral staircase and walking on cobble stones is interesting and needs plenty of concentration.
Day ended enjoying a drink as the sun went down over the Wachau Valley – a wonderful ending to a magnificent day.