First courtyard of Baroque Benedictine Abbey Stift Melk.

Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

Stift Melk

Top choice in The Danube Valley


Of the many abbeys in Austria, Stift Melk is the most famous. Possibly Lower Austria's finest, the monastery church dominates the complex with its twin spires and high octagonal dome. The interior is baroque gone barmy, with a riot of chubby cherubs, barley-sugar twirls and polished faux marble. The theatrical high-altar scene, depicting St Peter and St Paul (the church's two patron saints), is by Peter Widerin. Johann Michael Rottmayr created most of the ceiling paintings, including those in the dome.

Historically, Melk was of great importance to the Romans and later to the Babenbergs, who built a castle here. In 1089 the Babenberg margrave Leopold II donated the castle to Benedictine monks, who converted it into a fortified abbey. Fire destroyed the original edifice, which was completely baroque-ified between 1702 and 1738 according to plans by Jakob Prandtauer and his disciple, Josef Munggenast. It's claimed nine million bricks were used to create the 500 rooms – don't worry though, you don't have to visit them all! (Most of the complex is taken up by a school, monks' quarters and offices.)

Besides the monastery church, highlights include the Bibliothek (library) and the Marmorsaal (Marble Hall); both have amazing trompe-l’œ-painted tiers on the ceiling (by Paul Troger) to give the illusion of greater height, and ceilings are slightly curved to aid the effect. Eleven of the imperial rooms, where dignitaries (including Napoleon) stayed, are now used as a somewhat overcooked concept museum.

Before or after a tour of the main complex, take a spin around the Nordbastei (north bastion), where you'll discover some quirky temporary exhibitions, a viewing terrace and the Stift's gift shop.

English tours run at 10.55am and 2.55pm as well as 2pm May to September.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Danube Valley attractions

1. Schloss Schallaburg

2.93 MILES

This palace is famous not only for its stunning architecture but also for the innovative exhibitions it houses, along with its lovely gardens. A wonderful…

2. Schloss Artstetten

6.05 MILES

Built from the ruins of a 13th-century medieval castle and tinkered with for 700 years, Artstetten castle gained fame and glory after passing into the…

3. Burg Aggstein

7.2 MILES

A fabulously evocative castle ruin from the 12th-century, set high above the Danube. The views from the ramparts are worth the climb and various events…

4. Pfarr-und Wallfahrtskirche Maria Taferl

8.12 MILES

Rising high above the Danube Valley, this baroque church was created by Jakob Prandtauer (of Melk fame), and has two onion domes and dark dome-frescoes…

5. Wachau Museum

13.32 MILES

Directly below the church, the tiny, pretty Wachau Museum showcases artists of the Danube School.

6. Weissenkirchen Parish Church

13.35 MILES

This 15th-century Gothic church sits on a hilltop overlooking the town; its front doors are approached along a labyrinth of covered pathways. Look out for…

7. Stadtmuseum

13.49 MILES

The City Museum is expertly curated and well worth a visit. Its permanent collection focusing on art nouveau in St Pölten is on the 1st floor, and a…

8. Franziskanerkirche

13.53 MILES

Franziskanerkirche was completed in 1770 and has a grandiose altar offset by side altar paintings by Kremser Schmidt.