Melk Abbey

Built 1702-1736. Originally a royal palace. Monastic community is more than 900 years old. Baroque style. 24 Benedictine monk.
900 students here. High school. Private day school. 12 - 15 monks living here all the time?

Maria Theresa was here 3 times. 1743. Franz Stephen husband. Lots of rooms because people stayed here. Benedictine is oldest order. 500 year old book of Benedict. A castle here was 1000 years ago. Oldest trausre ivory box depicting life of christ. Melk cross has sliver of real cross. Jewels and gold. Fire in 13 the century. 15th century and the reform movement and called Melk Movement. Leader of movement.

Vestments became leather in end of 1700s. More frugality. No longer baroque. Reused coffins. Age of reason. 1065 windows. Over 500 rooms. Have a book from 900s.Okumaya devam et