Melk Abbey

The origins of Melk Abbey date back to the first half of the 11th century. On this site, which was once a center of power for the Babenberg dynasty and served as their preferred burial ground, a Benedictine monastery was founded on March 21, 1089. Monks from Lambach Abbey moved into the new complex. The monastery was granted exemption, placing it directly under papal authority. In 1297, a fire destroyed large parts of the complex, including the church, ancillary buildings, and the library. Despite reconstruction in the 14th century, the monastery recovered slowly from the consequences of the disaster and the general crises of the era. In the early 15th century, Melk became the starting point for a comprehensive reform of Benedictine monasteries.

Melk Abbey is located in the town of Melk in the federal state of Lower Austria, Austria, at an elevation of approximately 261 meters above sea level.

The current Baroque structure of the abbey was built between 1702 and 1746 and is dedicated to the patronage of Saints Peter and Paul, with Saints Secundarius, Coloman, and Leopold also revered as patrons. The abbey houses the Stiftsgymnasium Melk, Austria's oldest continuously operating school, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Wachau.

• Luberegg Castle (Castle, approx. 1403 m away)
• Rotenhof Castle (Castle, approx. 1580 m away)
• Weitenegg Castle Ruin (Castle, approx. 2819 m away)
• Pielach Castle (Castle, approx. 3147 m away)