The world famous abbey with its palatial monumentality is considered an icon of baroque architecture throughout Europe. It has been inseparably linked to the unfolding history of Austria and inhabited by Benedictine monks since its founding in 1089. The abbey in its present form was built from 1702 to 1736 according to plans by J. Prandtauer and J. Munggenast and represents Austrian Baroque at its most magnificent.
Visitors can look forward to a fascinating museum covering the history and present-day life of the monastery: the imperial staircase and imperial apartments, the marble hall and library, an unforgettable view of the Danube from the riverside balcony and the abbey church in high baroque style with frescos by J. M. Rottmayr, paintings by P. Troger and a theatrically grand high altar – a gesamtkunstwerk to the glory and honor of God.
Next to the abbey is the abbey park with a whimsically elegant baroque pavilion, the Benedict Path, “Speaking Stones” and the Paradise Garden from May to October. It is a wonderful place to rest and relax.