Melk is known for its Abbey and is the spiritual and cultural centre in Austria for over 1000 years! The town started as the residence of the ruling family and then became a Benedictine monastery in 1089. For over 900 years, monks have lived and worked in the Abbey. Since 1978, restorations of the Baroque buildings have been taking place in order to meet the needs of the local school in the Abbey as well as the visitors and cultural events that take place in the Monastery. This is one of the most important buildings in baroque style in Europe!
The highlight of the tour of the Abbey is the church which is considered the most beautiful baroque structure north of the Alps. Another extraordinary piece is the library houses over 100,000 leather bound books and is growing. There are also two huge globes constructed in 1690 one of the constellations and one of the earth.
The view from the Abbey overlooking the valley of the Danube is breathtaking and the town below is quaint! We enjoyed shopping and watching the local people shopping in the open market.
As we sail from Melk to Linz we went through several locks. To experience this unique waterway system is a treat. As the water rises and lifts the riverboat up and over the dam, the view changes and the landscape becomes even more beautiful. Along the way we pass small villages, snow peaked mountains and exquisite castles!
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Your trip to Vienna sounds wonderful.
I am glad the two of you went to
the opera/symphony/ballet in Austria. Mozart in Vienna is like Elvis in Memphis. No excuses now about going to high brow stuff,since you have become afficiando's!
How long did it take to go between ports. That would be interesting to know.I am glad you shopped in Melk. There is no shopping like Melk shopping. Frankly, I was not aware of Melk at all, I assume it is in Austria. I noticed you spoke of St Stephen's as infamous. What bad happened there?Yum! Gerstner;s is so famous and must be excellent.I have been wondering which direction you would take from Budapest: east to Roumania and Bulgaria or west to Austria, Linz, and Switzerland. By going west, if you end up in Basel, finally a country where Mom and I have been. Linz, I believe is the family home of Adoph Hitler, who was from Austria.
Keep sending great stuff!
Dad
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