The Melk Abbey is likely the most famous abbey in Austria. It was built between 1702 and 1736 as a royal palace with ceremonial courts, guest apartments, grand halls and a library.

In the 11th century, Leopold II of Babenberg presented the palace to the Benedictine monks who turned it into an abbey.

Today 22 monks live and work here. The Abbey can accommodate up to 100 monks. The premises also house a private Catholic school of about 800 students. You could see them heading into the gym and working in art class drawing one of the sculptures. I can’t imagine going to school in a place like that where 500k visitors from all over the world visit annually.

We decided to walk around the gardens a bit before heading back to the bus. We only had about twenty minutes and the bus was a little bit away. Greg took us back into the forest assuring me we would have plenty of time to get back. Hate to admit he was right.

Pictures weren’t allowed inside so these pics are from postcards that we bought.