Daily Dose of Awesome: Melk Abbey

When traveling through Europe, the churches are often highlights. The art, the elaborate architecture, and the history make them wonders to behold. As impressive as they are, there is one that manages to raise the bar even further. It is known simply as Melk Abbey, and as the name suggests it is an abbey located in Melk, Austria. 

I can say with no sense of exaggeration, that this place is jaw dropping. Its immense size is impressive enough, but then you get inside and it only goes uphill from there. Everything about it just amazes. The building is elegantly (maybe even divinely?) designed. It just inspires awe. It really is fitting as a symbol of reverence to God. Even if you aren't the religious sort, you'll be amazed at all the work and craftsmanship that went into this building.

There's gorgeous artwork all over the place. Some of it comes in the form of paintings, but the ceilings are also adorned with majestic artwork that is impressive in its own right.

In addition to art, the abbey also sports an impressive array of religious artifacts. It adds to the sense of history while also providing a bevy of information for those who wish to learn more about said history. For the photography junkie, this place is a mother lode. You'll want to take pictures of everything. Odds are you won't be able to get everything because there's just that much.

One of the major draws for the abbey is the library. It is ranked as one of the world's biggest and most gorgeous and, again, that's no hyperbole. Only a small fraction of the library is open to the public and even that will leave your mouth hanging agape. It's multiple floors and multiple rooms of floor to ceiling bookshelves. The downside is that this is the one room in the entire complex that doesn't allow you to take photos or videos of any kind. I would have so loved to be able to do a vlog and put it up on Youtube. Honestly, I would have gladly sacrificed being able to take photos in one of the artifact display rooms if it meant that I could show people the mind boggling nature of this library. At the same time, I can't fault the logic. As noted, it is a major highlight, so seeing it in person acts as a great incentive to travel out to see it.

Of course, the church itself is also amazing in its own right. It's huge and gloriously designed. They actually hold services there. Sadly, I didn't get to witness that, but I can imagine that they draw in quite a crowd.

Whether you're visiting the abbey alone, or if it is a stop on part of a cruise, Melk Abbey is definitely worth checking out. Even if you aren't religiously inclined, everything about it is just amazing. You should still be able to garner some enjoyment just from the art, history, and architecture alone. If you are the religious type, I think it will only add to your enjoyment. There's so much there that it is definitely worth the price of admission. Of course, if you're a bookworm, the library alone is worth the price of admission because, seriously, that library has to be seen to be believed.