Melk Abbey in Austria: A Stopover for Marie Antoinette

A short trip to Melk, where the magnificent yellow abbey stands on a small hill. It's just over an hour by train from Vienna's West Station. Enjoy the view of colorful houses with triangular roofs from the train window as you arrive in this quaint town. The Melk Abbey is a Benedictine monastery and is considered a Baroque treasure of Austria. It is said that Marie Antoinette stayed here for a night on her way to marry Louis XVI of France. The building reflects the wealth and power of the Habsburg family in every corner. The most impressive parts are the library, which houses 1,888 books, and the adjoining church. Join the noon prayer at the church starting at 12 o'clock. In stark contrast to the breathtakingly golden church, the monks maintain a quiet and serene presence.