Between castle and monastery
Schönbühel Castle occupies the first row in the Danube panorama near Melk: boldly built on a rock, it is still inhabited today after extensive renovation 200 years ago.
Just as interesting in terms of cultural history is Schönbühel Monastery, just 500 meters downstream. The Servite order was still at home here until 1980. The monastery had to be closed due to a lack of new recruits.
Founded by a pious noble family in the 16th century, the monastery flourished as a place of pilgrimage to St. Rosalia, the patron saint against the plague. In the past, sailors used to climb up the steps from the Danube to the church. The Peregrinus Chapel with frescoes by the famous baroque painter Johann Bergl is particularly noteworthy.
Would you have guessed?
The historical core of some villages on the right bank of the Wachau is formed by late Roman "Burgi". These were watchtowers along the Limes, the military border on the Danube. Five burgi between Aggsbach and Mautern can be dated to the uncertain times from the middle of the 4th century.
