We awoke early on Day 11 to find ourselves travelling through magical Austria

It was akin to a good dream … one that comes back just  to bless you a second time!

This was now our second visit to an absolutely captivating country.

After all, we had already explored a little of the Salzburg Provence just three short weeks ago before even boarding our Longship Tor on this amazingly wonderful river Cruise.

For those of you who have been travelling with us, you will know I’d already fallen in love with the wonderfully mesmerizing blues and greens of the Austrian landscape. I’d been totally drawn in by our sightseeing around this wonderful country and its glorious snow capped alps, beautiful alpine spa regions and pristine lakes districts. You may or may not recall that  this had been one of initial destinations earlier on in this, “Our Grand European Sojourn” in the Spring of 2013.

Docking in the little town of Melk (Population approx 5,000), D.B. and I were soon busing our way up to the rocky outcrop at the top of the hill which overlooks the small township. Indeed, we were off to see the magnificent Melk Abbey in all its historical monastic glory. Belonging to the Benedictine monks, Melk Abbey is just simply brim full of the most incredibly ornate historical treasures. It was truly another of those most notable and stand out sightseeing ventures of our holiday.

Do watch this video below if you would prefer a night time view of the Magnificent Abbey.

Initially built in the 10^th century A.D. as a castle and home for King Leopold  1, it was later gifted in around the 11^th century to the Benedictine order of monks by King Leopold 2.  Melk Abbey has been home to the Benedictines ever since.

However as we well know, the course of history rarely runs smoothly. Much of the original castle section of the abbey burnt to the ground in the 13^th century. Different smaller sections were rebuilt in centuries following. By about the 15^th century it housed the most remarkable library and scriptitorium. The churches often controlled the printed word at this time and held huge collections of books.

It was much much later…….. in around the 18^th century that another rebuild and further remodeling saw it establish its current magnificent baroque style.

Today, tourists continue to travel from all around the world to visit the tiny little township called Melk; most come so they can visit and view this truly remarkable abbey. Housing a very eclectic monastic mix of the most wonderfully guilded treasures from throughout Benedictine religious history, Melk Abbey continues to be a drawcard for both Christians and non-Christians alike. There is just so much opulence….and so much grandeur……..at times sensory overload but oh so ….WELL YES ….MAGNIFICENT.

Once again as one area led on to the next and then to the next……. each seemed to surpass the other for both its storehouse of treasures and its magnificent architectural features. Truly again all D.B. and I could say was WOW, WOW, WOW and WOW!! What a truly amazing place.

And for those of you who are really interested in the absolutely magnificent Melk Abbey please also check out these links as well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmAaoEu9wf4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs5IeBbID60

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SUuKrwVs_Y