Melk Abbey and the Wachau Gorges
Moored below the very impressive Melk Abbey which is a very impressive Benedictine Abbey high on the hill overlooking the town and river.
More baroque extravagance and ceiling frescos. Only 8 monks still in residence but now home to some sort of school/college. Also a library containing one of Europes largest collection of ancient texts, book & manuscripts – no photos allowed.
Back on board as we cruise through the Wachau valley and gorges, a major wine growing area, with many castles and ruins on either side. A tad murky but you will get the idea..
Durnstein
Next stop Durstein – a small town most famous for its ruined castle perched high above it and where Richard 1st (Lionheart) was imprisoned on his way back from the crusades until, after several years, he was ransomed at vast expense and returned to England.
Having spent the whole day yesterday on board, I needed some exercise so set off for the climb up to the castle. Lots of steps and quite a lot of clambering but the views from the top were quite spectacular. A few other intrepid passengers along the made it to the top. Much huffing and puffing and by the time I made it back down the old legs were screaming!! A wander around the town on the way back to the ship. Past a history marker of flood levels. The brass plaque on the left was 2020 which must have been pretty disastrous especially for the village and community on the other bank!
Next stop will be Vienna for two days and then onto Budapest.