Melk

Marc's Journal

Sunday we took a trip to the Melk Abbey. Since 1089 it has been a working Abbey for Benedictine monks and currently serves as a secondary, private Catholic school. Recent restoration efforts gave some of the refreshed Fresco art a more modern look. It's an interesting change with figures that look more like DC superheroes! (Explain that to visitors in 200 years.)

The gardens were expansive and a place where one may pray, meditate, and find solitude. One sculpture I thought was super creative was Fire Devil, an ironwork of demons built over a fire pit. Imagine roasting marshmallows around that camp fire.

The abbey is actively growing plants and vegetables and has this great orb in the middle of the garden. It allowed me to capture a wave "hi" to my family and friends back in the US.

The Melk region is known for its apricots. Apricot liquor, wine, and other items are popular, such as this apricot dumpling from a local restaurant (below).

Marc's comment: Melk and honey. 

Diane's Journal

This morning, we docked in Melk, Austria. The weather is beautiful—warm and sunny. After breakfast, we headed up to Melk Abbey. It's huge! 

Our tour took us through one corridor that was used only for guests. Today, each room displays the history and philosophy of the Benedictine Monks. After that we walked through two libraries out of the 12 in the abbey. Including recent books, over 100,000 volumes are contained in these libraries dating from the 16th century. Back in the day, you would have to read your book in the window seats for light because candles were not allowed. Today, if you are a student writing a thesis or doing research, you may set up a time to access the library, but you must read in special room accompanied by a docent who will show you how to handle very old books. I will always remember the smell of old books in these rooms.

Here is a picture of the library (from the web)—I did not take it (no cameras allowed). 

Another interesting item was the reusable casket. This picture is also from the internet. With the trap door underneath the casket, I think it's self-explanatory.

Then there were the gardens. Oh my, I could have spent all day there. It was huge, with paths everywhere displaying a wide variety of plants.