Melk

On the way up  the river was Schönbühel Castle

standing majestically over it's domain.

But we were heading to Melk Abbey.

Now after the last 2 Palaces you think it can't be beaten...

Wrong...these Catholics wanted to show their wealth.

This is the cafe with a little bit of "help".

One of my favourite shots for the day...

Looking up the stair well , just stunning !

The oldest treasure of the Monks tells the story 

of the life of Christ. You can see on the right hand side

of the panel The Last Supper.

Love this.. with the two of us into infinity,

because of the mirrors.

The Bishops Regalia for High Days.

It contains 10 kgs of gold thread...

Not worn all that often now.

One of the "progressive ideas"

A reusable coffin.

The base opens & "drops" the body into the hole!

Not very popular..

This chest was where they stored their treasures in times of danger.

It has 14 separate locking mechanisms.

Now used for donations from tourists... 

This model shows the scope of the Abbey..

It's enormous!

The fresco of the Reception where they held their 

"Events"

The Library is still used today as it's still a Benedictine School.

The spiral staircase leads to...

..The Chapel.

No we thought the others we have seen couldn't be bettered.

These Catholics didn't mind showing their wealth.

The Organ has approx. 3850 pipes..

We couldn't organise a recital so 

I've bought a CD !

The ceiling of the Chapel

 symbolises looking up to the entrance to Heaven.

Absolutely Awesome!!!